WEEK 5 – Officially to the halfway point of the regular season with district play and league match-ups continuing across northeast Kansas – we get you set for another busy night of high school football on the Friday Night Fever Show which is presented by GN Banks.

2021 Pick Records

Jonny

Last week: 17-4
Overall: 58-19
Justin

Last week: 16-5
Overall: 60-17
Brandon

Last week: 16-5
Overall:  62-15

Games to be Broadcast

103.9 KNZA – Troy at Jackson Heights
92.1 KMZA – Frankfort at Axtell
93.7 KAIR – Maur Hill at ACCHS
Holton Channel – Holton at Royal Valley
Sabetha Channel – Sabetha at Rock Creek  

Week 5 Games

8-Man Division I

(0-4, 0-1) Maranatha at (1-3, 0-1) Doniphan West (D3)

It has been a tough stretch of games for the Mustangs who lost their third straight game last week falling to Washington County 44-36. All-TVL quarterback Trent Spiker did not play in the first half due to an injury but after Doniphan West was down 14-8 at the half, Spiker came off the bench and played running back rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Despite that, the Mustangs defense struggled allowing over 320 yards on the ground and 450 yards total.

The Mustangs now get Maranatha who has struggled so far this season and last week fell to Valley Falls 58-28. The Eagles have averaged 28 points per game offensively but have struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball yielding 68 points per game which includes the 100 points they allowed to Hartford in week one.

Doniphan West is 3-0 against Maranatha since 2014 winning last season 52-0.

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

(2-1, 1-0) Clifton Clyde at (3-1, 1-0) Valley Falls (D3)

Valley Falls rebounded last week following their week three loss to Chase County and going on the road to beat Maranatha 58-28. The Dragons ran for over 260 yards led by Dylan Cervantez who compiled 127 yards on the ground with two touchdowns while Zac Evans added 100 yards and three more scores. Both Cervantez and Evans are each over 300 yards on the season with six touchdowns while Samuel Drinkard has five scores on the year.

Clifton-Clyde meanwhile got back on the field last week following a week three hiatus and went on the road to beat Burlingame 30-6. The Eagles allowed just 150 yards of offense and three turnovers in a dominant performance. Clifton-Clyde’s lone loss on the year came to Little River 14-6

The Eagles have dominated the Dragons the last five meetings allowing just six total points in that span including a 46-0 victory last season.

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

(1-2, 0-1) Burlingame at (1-3, 1-0) Washington County (D3)

Washington County picked up their first win of the season last week 44-36 over Doniphan West. Trenton Zenger and Payton LeDuc each ran for 100 yards for the Tigers with LeDuc scoring four times. The Tigers are just 2-5 over their last seven games dating back to last season.

Burlingame is 1-2 overall and coming off a 30-6 loss at the hands of Clifton Clyde. The Bearcats lone win was a 57-6 victory at Hartford in week three.

Burlingame won the matchup last season, 48-28.

Jonny’s Pick: Burlingame
Justin’s Pick: Burlingame
Brandon’s Pick: Washington County

8-Man Division II

(0-4, 0-2, 0-2 TVL) Wetmore at (1-3, 1-2, 1-3 TVL) Onaga (D3)

Wetmore lost at the hands of Pike Valley last week, 54-6. Pike Valley led 22-0 after the first quarter and was able to roll from there. Wetmore allowed 260 rushing yards and was outgained 287-136. Wetmore’s lone touchdown was on a run from Kyler Wommack. The Cardinals have now lost six straight dating back to last season.

Onaga picked up their first win of the season last week with a 68-12 rout at home against Linn. Onaga’s defense was key holding Linn to just 120 yards of total offense. The win snapped a five-game losing streak which dates back to last season. Despite the 1-3 start, Onaga quarterback Zac Fisher has totaled 566 rushing yards and 183 passing yards with 12 total touchdowns.

Onaga is 3-1 in the last four against Wetmore with the last game played in 2019, where Onaga won that game by a score of 58-13. Wetmore’s win was back in 2017.

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

(4-0, 3-0, 4-0 TVL) Frankfort at (4-0, 2-0, 2-0 TVL) Axtell (D3 – 92.1 KMZA)

In one of the marquee matchups this week, a battle of two of the top teams square off in 8-Man division two as Frankfort travels to Axtell in a battle of 4-0 teams. Frankfort picked up a big win last week over Blue Valley, 59-14. Frankfort put up 38 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Quarterback Caden Dalinghaus ran for 161 yards and four touchdowns and added another through the air. Ethan Armstrong contributed with 122 rushing yards and two scores. Frankfort has won 11 of their last 12 games.

Axtell pulled off the upset over then #1 and defending state champion Hanover last week, 30-24. Isaac Detweiler did just about everything for the Eagles as he rushed for over 180 yards with three touchdowns and throwing for another. He also added two interceptions on defense including one in the final minute to secure the victory. Axtell’s defense forced four turnovers in the game.

Axtell has won eight of the last 13 meetings against Frankfort but Frankfort has won the last two in the series including last season, 36-14.

Jonny’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort

(2-2, 1-1, 1-1 TVL) Linn at (0-4, 0-3, 0-4 TVL) Blue Valley (D3)

Linn was blasted by Onaga last week 68-12 to snap their two-game winning streak. The Bulldogs produced just 120 yards of total offense. Through four games, Linn quarterback Kevin Alvarado has tallied over 500 rushing yards and over 400 passing yards with 13 total touchdowns. The next closest player in terms of rushing is Gavin Turk with 123 yards.

Blue Valley continues its struggles in 2021 as they lost to Frankfort last week 59-14. The Rams have been outscored 249-28 this season and they have now lost 10 straight dating back to 2019.

Blue Valley and Linn have played a competitive series in recent years with the Rams holding a slight 7-6 edge in the last 13, but the two teams have not played since 2017 with Linn winning that game 49-0.

Jonny’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Brandon’s Pick: Linn

(3-1) Hanover at (3-1) Osborne (Non-District)

Hanover took their first loss in two years as Axtell got the best of Hanover last week, 30-24. The loss snaps a 14-game winning streak for the Wildcats as their last three losses over the last two years have all been against Axtell. 

Osborne has won three straight since their opening week loss at Hill City. They defeated Rock Hills last week 50-0 and they have outscored their last three opponents, 154-8 with two shut outs.

Hanover has dominated the last six meetings against Osborne and they took care of business last year with a 56-6 win.

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

Class 1A

(3-1, 1-1) Troy at (2-2, 1-2) Jackson Heights (D2 – 103.9 KNZA)

Troy continued their stellar start to the season last week going on the road and blowing out Pleasanton 56-6. The Trojans led 48-0 at the half and had a field day through the air with Cam Anderson throwing 271 yards and six touchdowns including four to Jerrit Norris who had 178 receiving yards. Troy’s defense also recorded four interceptions including two from Boden Benitz who had five on the year. The Trojans are allowing just 13 points per game and have forced 14 turnovers including eight interceptions.

Jackson Heights is looking to rebound after suffering their second consecutive loss last week falling to Wabaunsee 22-8. The Cobras hurt themselves all night long finishing with over 12 penalties for over 150 yards and two interceptions. Wyatt Bacon did run for 115 yards and a touchdown, while Jason Bosley added 88 yards.

Troy is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings against the Cobras, but Jackson Heights has won the last three including a 36-3 victory last season.

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

(1-2, 1-2) Valley Heights at (3-1, 1-1) Wabaunsee (D2)

Valley Heights dropped to 1-2 overall with a 41-16 loss at Centralia last week. The Mustangs defense surrendered over 350 rushing yards. The offense showed some flashes with their two touchdowns coming on big plays with one being a 70 plus yard touchdown run and the other on a 60 plus yard passing touchdown. Valley Heights is in the middle of a stretch where they are playing four of five on the road.

Wabaunsee bounced back last week after taking their first loss in week three with a 22-8 district win over Jackson Heights. The Chargers are led by quarterback Cade Oliver with nearly 600 total yards and eight touchdowns. The Chargers have not allowed more than 10 points in a game so far this season.

Valley Heights has dominated the series recently winning 10 of the last 11 games. The Mustangs have won the last five including last season, 58-0. The Chargers last win in the series was 2015.

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

(3-1, 3-0) Centralia at (3-1, 2-0) Jeff County North (D2)

Centralia and Jeff County North enter their game this week as the only two teams in their district without a district loss. Centralia won their third straight with a 41-16 comfort cruise last week over Valley Heights. The Panthers offense rushed for nearly 360 yards. Quarterback Ethan McNally and running back Jarod Blaha combined for 260 yards and four touchdowns. The Panthers have won 11 of their last 13 dating back to last season.

Jeff County North is also on a three-game winning streak after they took a loss in week one. The Chargers dominated Horton last week, 60-3. They have outscored their opponents in those three games 116-3 as the defense is allowing under seven points per game so far this season.

Centralia and Jeff County North have played just four time dating back to 2004. The Panthers are 4-0 in those games and won the matchup last season 46-6.

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

(0-4) Horton at (2-1) Central Heights (Non-District)

Horton scored on their opening drive last week against Jeff County North but were held scoreless the rest of the way in a 60-3 loss. The Chargers have yet to score more than 7 points in a game so far this season and have yielded at least 45 in each contest. Horton now gets Central Heights who had their scheduled game against Northeast-Arma cancelled last week. The Vikings have solid wins over West Franklin and Northern Heights with their lone loss coming to Olpe 53-0.

The Vikings and Chargers have played just once in the last 15 years as last year Central Heights won 56-0.

Jonny’s Pick: Central Heights
Justin’s Pick: Central Heights
Brandon’s Pick: Central Heights

Class 2A

(1-3, 1-0) St. Mary’s at (3-1, 1-0) Nemaha Central (D4)

Nemaha Central is #2 in Class 2A according to KPreps behind Rossville. The Thunder won their third straight game last week with a 20-0 win over previously undefeated ACCHS. It was a 6-0 game at halftime but Nemaha Central was able to add a couple of touchdowns in the second half. The Thunder though now have a huge hole to fill as all-state quarterback Zac Kramer is done for the season with a torn ACL.

You can argue that St. Mary’s is the best 1-3 team in the state. There three losses include a three-point loss at Riley County, a one-point loss at Silver Lake and a loss to Rossville in which they had a lead in the first half. The Bears got their first win last week defeating Riverside, 54-7.  

Nemaha Central is 5-1 in their last six against St. Mary’s winning the game last season between the two, 41-8.

Jonny’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys

(0-4, 0-1) Riverside at (2-1, 1-0) Republic County (D4)

Riverside is just looking for anything positive following a 54-7 loss to St. Mary’s last week with Todrick Duncan scoring the lone touchdown. The Cyclones have scored just 21 total points through the first four games and are allowing nearly 42 points per game. Tonight the Cyclones travel to Republic County who is coming off a solid road win at Maur Hill-Mount Academy last week, 44-16. The game was tied just before halftime, but the Buffaloes got a late touchdown and rolled the rest of the way. Republic County ran for over 330 yards with junior Collin Dahl rushing for 153 yards and three scores.

Republic County won last season 32-12 in what was the first meeting on record.

Jonny’s Pick: Republic County
Justin’s Pick: Republic County
Brandon’s Pick: Republic County

(2-2, 0-1, 1-1 NEKL) Maur Hill at (3-1, 0-1, 3-0 NEKL) ACCHS (D4 – 93.7 KAIR)

Maur Hill lost last week at home against Republic County, 44-16. The Ravens have lost back-to-back games since starting the season 2-0. Republic County rushed for 330 yards in that game. Ravens quarterback Mark Harris has completed 55% of his passes for nearly 800 yards and nine touchdowns so far this season. Drew Caudle split reps early with Harris at quarterback but now is the leading receiver with 19 receptions for 338 yards and four touchdowns.

The Tigers of ACCHS suffered their first loss of the season last week at Nemaha Central, 20-0. Before that game they had outscored Horton, Pleasant Ridge and McLouth 125-7.

It’s been a wild series between these two over the past 20 years as ACCHS has the slight edge of 8-7. However, Maur Hill has won the last seven including last year, 53-6.

Jonny’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS

(0-4, 0-1) Oskaloosa at (4-0, 1-0) Rossville (D3)

Oskaloosa is in a gauntlet of a stretch as they lost last week to Silver Lake, 53-0 with now #1 Rossville on the schedule this week. The loss last week for the Bears gives them 13 straight losses dating back to 2019 and they have been outscored 169-14 so far this season and haven’t scored since week two.

Rossville is the #1 team in Class 2A and they remained perfect after defeating McLouth last week, 66-0. Rossville has now won 17 straight games. The Bulldogs are led by senior quarterback Torrey Horak who’s accounted for nearly 1,250 total yards and 12 total touchdowns this season.

Rossville has dominated the series recently winning the last six meetings between the two including last season, 63-0.

Jonny’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville

(3-1, 1-0, 2-1 NEKL) Pleasant Ridge at (0-2, 0-1, 0-1 NEKL) McLouth (D3)

Pleasant Ridge won their second straight game last week with a 34-28 win over Mission Valley despite giving up over 370 yards of total offense. The Rams lone loss of the season was in week two to ACCHS. The Rams offense is currently averaging 25 points per game while the defense is surrendering 25 points per game.

McLouth had a tough go of it last week losing to Rossville, 66-0. They’ve been outscored 124-0 in their two games so far this season.

Pleasant Ridge has won 12 of the last 17 meetings including last season, 54-0. McLouth’s last win in the series was back in 2016.

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

Class 3A

(1-3, 0-1) Sabetha at (2-2, 1-0) Rock Creek (D4 – Sabetha Channel)

Sabetha is desperately needing a win following a 41-17 loss to Holton last week. The Bluejays hung tough in the first half and trailed just 14-9 at the break, but Holton scored 27 unanswered points in the third quarter to roll to the win. Josh Herrmann ran for 110 yards while Matt Garber threw for 110 yards and a score. The Bluejays now get Rock Creek who shutout Hiawatha last week 48-0 after leading 28-0 at the half. The Mustangs have won two straight following losses to Silver Lake and Rossville to begin the season and are averaging 31 points per game.

Rock Creek is 4-0 against Sabetha in the last 15 years winning last season 35-21 which was the first meeting since 2007.

Jonny’s Pick: Rock Creek
Justin’s Pick: Rock Creek
Brandon’s Pick: Rock Creek

(4-0, 1-0, 3-0 Big 7) Holton at (1-3, 0-1, 1-2 Big 7) Royal Valley (D4 – Holton Channel)

It's a Big 7 and Jackson County rivalry game in Hoyt where Holton plays their third straight road game and looks to stay undefeated as one of the top teams in Class 3A. Holton used a 27-0 third quarter blitz to pull away from a 14-9 halftime lead and coast to a win last week at Sabetha. The Wildcats ran for over 500 yards and averaged better than 13 yard per carry with three ball carriers over 100 yards in Gary Booth, Jayden Fletcher and Jace Hallauer, who scored two touchdowns and added the Cats first interception of the year on defense.  He is expected to get more reps on offense tonight at fullback with Jace Boswell nursing and injury. Since Coach Brooks Barta arrived in Holton in 1997, his Wildcats have never lost to Royal Valley.

The Panthers new head coach David Boucher, like Barta, is a Smith Center alum and calls Coach Roger Barta one of the top five most influential people in his life. He has brought the wishbone rushing attack to the Panthers this year, who have lost three straight after starting the season beating Riverside. Last week in a 30-12 loss against Jeff West, the Panthers won most every stat category but had too many mistakes. Treyson Murata had both Panthers touchdowns and more than 190 yards rushing in the setback and now has 350 yards this season.

Jonny’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick: Holton
Brandon’s Pick: Holton

(1-3, 1-0, 1-1) Jeff West at (2-2, 0-1, 2-0 Big 7) Hiawatha (D4)

Jeff West is feeling good following their first win of the year last week against Royal Valley, 30-12. The Tigers led 14-6 at halftime and held Royal Valley to just six points in the second half. Jeff West got a big game from Austin Anderson who stepped up recording a receiving and rushing touchdown along with a kick return for a score. Anderson stepped in for the injured Kaden Stones at quarterback in the second half and may be pushed into starting under center this week.

After posting back-to-back wins, Hiawatha struggled against Rock Creek in their district opener a week ago in a 48-0 loss. The Hawks had a dozen penalties and less than 30 yards of offense with just six first downs in the road game. Brandt Barnhill has thrown for 272 yards this season with Carson Gilbert catching 184 of those yards, while Cody Nevels leads the ground attack with 177 yards through four games.

Jeff West has won 15 of the last 17 against Hiawatha and 7 of the last 8 with the Redhawks posting a 16-14 win in 2016. The Tigers won last year’s game 45-14.

Jonny’s Pick: Hiawatha
Justin’s Pick: Hiawatha
Brandon’s Pick: Hiawatha

(0-3, 0-1) Baldwin at (2-2, 1-0) Perry Lecompton (D3)

It wasn’t easy to say the least last week, but Perry Lecompton got back on track sneaking out a 42-35 victory over Bishop Ward. Gunnar Ball threw for 196 yards and five touchdowns including two each to Kael Gorski and Ty Williams while rushing for 206 yards and a score. Baldwin is yet to score a point this season being shutout by Eudora and Ottawa in weeks one and two along with a 36-0 loss to Hayden a week ago. 

Perry Lecompton beat Baldwin last season 26-20 although Baldwin has won three of the four meetings dating back to 2008.

Jonny’s Pick: Perry Lecompton
Justin’s Pick: Perry Lecompton
Brandon’s Pick: Perry Lecompton

(1-3, 0-1) Council Grove at (0-3, 0-1) Marysville (D5)

Marysville dropped to 0-3 after losing at Chapman last week, 48-16. They’ve lost five of their last six games dating back to last season. The offense has struggled only putting up less than 12 points per game so far this season.

Council Grove got boat raced last week as they lost 83-8 at the hands of Concordia. They’re lone win was two weeks ago when they won at West Franklin.

Marysville and Council Grove have not played each other much in recent years and it was Marysville who won the meeting last year, 58-0.

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

Class 4A

(3-1, 2-0 KCA) Atchison at (1-3, 0-3 KCA) KC Turner

Atchison won their third straight since an opening season loss to St. Joseph Lafayette with a 70-0 win over KC Harmon. They’ve outscored their last three opponents, 154-52. Junior running back Jesse Greenly has been one of the best backs in the state as he is averaging nearly 164 yards per game and has found the endzone 12 times.

The Bears of KC Turner are 1-3 after losing last week to state ranked Basehor-Linwood 57-6. The lone win for them was in week three over KC Harmon, 52-0 but in the three losses they have been outscored 179-14.

Atchison has dominated the last five games against KC Turner and they won big in last year’s meeting, 56-7.

Jonny’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison