2024 Pick Records

Brandon

Last week: 18-4
Overall: 113-29
2023 Record: 159-25
2022 Record: 172-29

Justin

Last week: 19-3
Overall: 118-24
2023 Record: 160-24
2022 Record: 174-27

Kryndon

Last week: 18-4
Overall: 112-30

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

KNZA 103.9 FM & Cobra Channel – Jackson Heights at Jefferson County North
KMZA 92.1 FM – Axtell at Frankfort
KAIR 93.7 FM – Maur Hill-Mount Academy at Troy
Holton Channel – Leavenworth at Holton
Hiawatha Channel – Hiawatha at Perry-Lecompton
Sabetha Channel – St. Marys at Sabetha

Week 8 Games

8M-I District 4

(5-2) Clifton-Clyde at (6-1) Lincoln

Starting the year 0-2 losing to Frankfort and Hanover has now been flipped around with the Clifton-Clyde Eagles winning five straight games on the season. The Eagles halted a very solid Rock Hills team last Friday by a score of 56-8. The Eagles not only allowed just one score, but they held the Grizzlies to 100 yards rushing, averaging 2.6 yards a carry. The only score the Grizzlies would earn during the four quarters of play was a pick 6 in the first quarter to make it 30-8. The game would go on to the fourth quarter until Clifton-Clyde scored the final touchdown of the game to seal it and have the game called just early. The Eagles are now 8-3 in the all-time series against the Grizzlies

The Lincoln Leopards have won six straight since their start of the year loss to Ellis 48-44. Since then they have dominated every opponent, not stopping last Friday as they laid down a beating of 46-22 on the Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs. The Leopards have been led this season by a fantastic sophomore quarterback, Jeremiah Miller, who has posted over 1,100 yards passing on the year, over 560 rushing yards, and more than 30 total touchdowns. The leading receiving targets for the Leopards this year have been sophomores Xavier Miller and Benjamin Bell, who both have over 500 yards receiving a piece. 

This Friday Lincoln will be hosting Clifton-Clyde in a district championship for 8M-DI District 4.  The Eagles are 17-5 in the all-time series against Lincoln, winning last year's game 50-22.

Brandon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Kryndon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde

(5-2) Sylvan-Lucas at (0-7) Washington County

Sylvan-Lucas started the year off to a red-hot start beginning 5-0, but since then have taken rough back-to-back losses to Clifton-Clyde and then last Friday 46-22 against the Lincoln Leopards. Last week was a massive struggle to stop the Leopard's passing game with also the extension of the run game from their sophomore quarterback. The loss dropped the Mustangs to 2-2 in district play, but regardless of a loss this week will likely not miss the playoffs, as they have a one-game edge over Rock Hills and Lakeside, team they have beaten.

Washington County has continued what is their biggest struggle of a season since 2017, a year they went 0-9 in 11-man. Washington County is currently sixth in 8M-DI District 4 sitting at 0-4 in district play, the Tigers even with a win are not likely to make the postseason due to back-to-back losses to Rocks Hills and then Lakeside Downs last Friday 38-32. The Tigers are also now only 2-1 against the Lakeside Down Knights in the all-time series after the loss. 

This will be the first meeting between both schools.

Brandon’s Pick: Sylvan-Lucas
Justin’s Pick: Sylvan-Lucas
Kryndon’s Pick: Sylvan-Lucas

8M-II District 3

(7-0) Axtell at (6-1) Frankfort – TVL – 92.1 KMZA

The Eagles last Friday had a chance to show the entire state of Kansas just truly how incredible they are on the gridiron; they were able to impress with a dominant 58-12 finish over the Hanover Wildcats. The Axtell Eagles not only accomplished capturing their 46th consecutive win to continue their state-leading win but they also won a crucial district and league game. Despite a slow start on the opening drive the Eagles managed to put up eight scores with only managing six offensive possessions. Axtell had two interceptions returned for a touchdown alongside scoring every time they touched the football. The KU commit Brandon Schmelze had an outstanding game of over 300 offensive yards and six total touchdowns: four rushing and two passing. Axtell has now won five straight against Hanover. 

Frankfort posted another dominant blowout game of 60-0 last Friday against Wakefield. The Wildcats had put the game away by half with 32 points put up in the first quarter and 28 points placed in the second. Frankfort had a well-balanced night with 208 yards passing and 151 yards rushing. Lane Loiseau had three carries for 121 yards and three touchdowns. Wes Anderson went 7 of 10 for 208 yards passing and four scores. Frankfort since 2000 is 3-2 against the Wakefield Bombers.

Axtell has won four straight against Frankfort, including a last year playoff win of 52-6. The Wildcats last beat the Eagles in 2020 by a score of 36-14.

Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kryndon’s Pick:

(2-5) Wakefield at (4-3) Blue Valley-Randolph

Wakefield has now lost five straight games; the Bombers have also lost three straight games where the game is put away before halftime and they are held scoreless. Last week the Bombers took a tough 60-0 loss against the Frankfort Wildcats and allowed Frankfort to total over 350 yards of offense. Wakefield is now down in the series against Frankfort since 2000 3-2. 

Apart from losing to the best teams in the state the Rams have had a solid season so far being complimented by a 48-0 win last Friday over Beloit St. Johns-Tipton. Blue Valley Randolph held Tipton to just 59 passing yards and 29 rushing yards off 17 carries. The Rams have now tied the all-time series against St. Johns-Tipton 3-3, the dominating victory also snapped a three-game losing streak for the Rams when facing Tipton.

This district match-up between Wakefield and Blue Valley is the deciding factor on who makes the playoffs and who skips them. Both teams sit at 0-3 in district play. Since 2000 the Rams have been 5-8 when facing the Bombers, however, they won last year's match-up 42-14.

Brandon’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Justin’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Kryndon’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph

1A District 2

(4-3) Rossville at (3-4) Wabaunsee

Rossville secured the district title with a 28-0 win last week against Olpe while Olpe claimed the runner-up finish. Rossville rushed for nearly 200 yards and averaged over five yards per carry. Tayson Horak completed 12-of-15 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs have won four straight games since starting the season 0-3 which were losses to Silver Lake, St. Marys, and Nemaha Central.

Wabaunsee had a brief two-game winning streak snapped last week with a 20-15 loss at Mission Valley. The Chargers rushed for 243 yards and averaged over five yards per carry. Junior Cole Frank led the way with 22 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown. Mission Valley rushed for 267 yards and averaged nearly six yards per carry in the win.

This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2017. Rossville has won 30 consecutive games against Wabaunsee with the Chargers last win over Bulldogs coming all the way back in 1986.

Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kryndon’s Pick: Rossville

1A District 3

(5-2) McLouth at (3-4) Onaga

McLouth has bounced back swiftly after their 57-0 loss to the Jackson Heights Cobras by winning back-to-back games. Last Friday the Bulldogs took down a well-respected Jefferson County North team 30-14. The Bulldogs led going into halftime as they scored once in the first quarter off a 7-yard touchdown run from Jerrick Chenhall, in the second quarter they scored off a much-needed 64-yard touchdown burst from Gage Fields. The Chargers managed to tie the game 14-14 heading into the fourth, however, Chenhall and Fields got activated again for the Bulldogs and both had a score to help McLouth win. 

In the first all-time meeting between Onaga and Pleasant Ridge last week, the Buffaloes came swinging with a final score of 50-13. The win officially eliminated the Rams from the playoffs. In the dominating win, the Buffaloes had over 410 yards off offense being sliced into 289 rushing yards and 121 passing yards. Jackson Kolterman went 3 of 3 for 121 yards passing and two scores. The leading rusher on the night was also Jackson Kolterman who ran for 115 yards off 11 carries with a complimentary two scores. Cousin of Jackson, Gavin Kolterman, rushed for 82 yards off 11 carries for two scores as well. The Buffaloes held the Rams to just a total of 189 yards of total offense, recording four sacks, a fumble recovery, and only allowing two rushing touchdowns.

Both teams are guaranteed their spot in the playoffs this year, but a key victory here could decide some different seeding outcomes. The Bulldogs and Buffaloes are tied 1-1 in the all-time series, McLouth won last year in week one against Onaga 30-26.

Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kryndon’s Pick: Onaga

(0-7) Pleasant Ridge at (0-7) Valley Falls – NEKL

The Rams dropped to 0-7 last week with a 50-13 loss at home against Onaga which officially ended their chances at the postseason. It was the first all-time meeting between P-Ridge and Onaga. The Rams allowed Onaga to pile up over 400 yards of offense including 293 rushing and over eight yards per carry. P-Ridge have lost 12 straight games dating back to last season.

Valley Falls couldn’t get much going against a top tier team in 1A in Jackson Heights as they trailed 60-0 at halftime and lost the game 74-0 which eliminated them from the playoffs. The Dragons have only scored double-digit points once this season and that was two weeks ago against Jefferson County North where they put up 14. The Dragons have lost 13 straight games dating back to last season.

Pleasant Ridge have won eight of the last 10 meetings against Valley Falls with the last meeting back in 2015 which was a Rams 42-8 win. Valley Falls last win was 14-6 in 2014.

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

(7-0) Jackson Heights at (5-2) Jefferson County North – NEKL – 103.9 KNZA & Cobra Channel

1A #2 ranked Jackson Heights steam rolled Valley Falls last week 74-0. They led 26-0 after the first quarter and 60-0 at halftime. The Cobras rushed for 270 yards with six different players finding the endzone. It was the Cobras’ fifth shutout of the season, and they have outscored their opponents in seven games this season 400-15.

Jefferson County North lost to McLouth last week 30-14 in what was a crucial district game for both teams. McLouth led the game 14-0 at halftime. The Chargers got second half touchdowns on a 12-yard run from Will Elias and on a pass from Elias to Brody Van Dyke which covered 17 yards.

JCN is 8-6 against Jackson Heights dating back to 2004 with the last meeting back in 2021 which was a JCN 8-7 victory. Jackson Heights are looking for their first win over JCN since a 36-8 final back in 2019.

Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Kryndon’s Pick: Jackson Heights

1A District 4

(3-4) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (4-3) Troy – NEKL – KAIR 93.7

Maur Hill-Mount Academy lost a tough game at home last week to Horton 20-19. It was the second straight loss for the Ravens against the Chargers. The win for Horton over MH-MA sets up those two teams battling it out for the final playoff spot out of this district this week.

Troy lost a 28-20 heartbreaker last week at Centralia as the Panthers scored what would be the game winning touchdown in the final minute. Gannon Bowe threw for over 360 yards and two touchdowns to Logan Blevins. Blevins caught 11 passes for 217 yards. The Trojans have clinched a spot in the playoffs but the outcome this week will determine where they travel for the first round in week nine.

Troy won the matchup last season against the Ravens 60-14 and has won the last three games in the series. MH-MA looking for their first win over Troy since 2012.

Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kryndon’s Pick: Troy

(6-1) Centralia at (6-1) Riverside

Centralia scrapes by barely in a tight 28-20 game against the Troy Trojans. The Panthers were down 14-8 exiting the first quarter, however, the Panthers tied the game going into halftime with Jacob Flentie’s second rushing touchdown of the game. The Panthers would find themselves down again 20-14, going into the fourth quarter. Centralia managed to find a spark of hope off a Troy fumble to set up Quentin Aldefer on a 7-yard touchdown run to tie the game 20-20 with a failed two-point conversation. The Trojans would have another fatal slip in the fourth quarter having a turnover-on-downs to set up a 60-yard scoring drive capped off with another Flentie score. The Panthers finished with over 300 yards rushing, nearly over 200 yards alone from Flentie to compliment his three scores. 

Riverside has truly turned their season around after coming off the week one 35-7 loss to the dominant #3 ranked in the class of 1A Jackson Heights Cobras. Six straight wins have now been rattled off by the Cyclones, going 4-0 in district play and even shutting out two teams in the spurt. Cyclones have outscored their opponents on the year 156-83. Riverside is now 5-2 in the all-time series against Doniphan West. 

Both teams are 4-0 in district play and this Friday will decide a Class 1A District 4 champion. This is also the fourth all-time meeting between the Panthers and the Cyclones, Centralia is 3-0 in the all-time series including a 52-18 playoff win in 2011. Last year Centralia won 46-8.

Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kryndon’s Pick: Riverside

(1-6) Doniphan West at (2-5) Horton

Horton is battling this week for postseason hopes as they take on Doniphan West at home, Horton needs to take care of business on their end first with the win. Last week Horton took their first district win in a very important match-up against Maur Hill 20-19. Horton has won the last two meetings against the Maur Hill Ravens.

Doniphan West has now lost five straight after their victory over Pleasant Ridge 14-0. The Mustangs lost by a tally of 40-8 last Friday to the Riverside Cyclones. With the loss to Riverside, it will, for the most part, eliminate the Mustangs from postseason contention, the crucial loss during the season was to Maur Hill just two weeks ago. Riverside is now up 5-2 in the all-time series against the Mustangs.

The Mustangs lead the all-time series against the Horton Chargers 5-4, the Mustangs won the last match-up in 2017 44-34.

Brandon’s Pick: Horton
Justin’s Pick: Horton
Kryndon’s Pick: Horton

2A District 3

(5-2) Council Grove at (5-2) Silver Lake

Silver Lake saw their hopes of a district title end last week in a 35-21 loss at unbeaten Osage City as the Indians outscored the Eagles 14-0 in the 4th to defeat Silver Lake for the first time since 1993! 

Despite the loss, the Eagles have clinched a playoff spot and can wrap up a 2nd place finish in the district with a home win over Council Grove.

Council Grove is 5-2 but has lost their last two district games, including last week when they fell to St. Marys 22-6. The Braves can clinch a playoff spot with a win. A loss and their playoff hopes could come down to a 3 team tiebreaker depending on other outcomes on Friday. 

Brandon’s Pick: Silver Lake
Justin’s Pick: Silver Lake
Kryndon’s Pick: Silver Lake

(7-0) Osage City at (4-3) Riley County

Osage won an impressive game last week against Silver Lake 35-21 to clinch the district championship. Junior Kasen Parson completed 19-of-22 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns while also adding over 100 rushing yards and three more scores. Osage City is the #3 ranked team in 2A behind only Southeast of Saline and Nemaha Central.

Riley County lost their second straight game last week 28-0 at Hesston which was a non-district game. Riley County needs a win in this game to secure a spot in the playoffs, but a loss could keep them in but would need some other results to happen to make that work out.

This is the first meeting between Osage City and Riley County since 2003 and it will be the seventh all-time meeting. Riley County is 5-1 against Osage City but Osage City won the last matchup in 2003 by a final score of 26-14.

Brandon’s Pick: Osage City
Justin’s Pick: Osage City
Kryndon’s Pick: Osage City

2A District 4

(6-1) Nemaha Central at (2-5) ACCHS

Nemaha Central’s Carter Hajek was the story in their 40-16 win last week against Royal Valley. Carter rushed for 396 yards and six touchdowns and earned Carter the MSC Radio athlete of the week. The #2 ranked Thunder clinched the first ever Big East league championship and another district title.

ACCHS lost at home last week to Jefferson West in a non-district game 29-6. ACCHS held Jeff West to just 59 rushing yards, but they allowed 188 passing yards. ACCHS was led by Max Bottorff with 22 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown.

The Thunder have won 13 straight against ACCHS including the most recent meeting 20-0 back in 2021. ACCHS looking for their first win over NC since 2004.

Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Kryndon’s Pick: Nemaha Central

(2-5) Oskaloosa at (4-3) Royal Valley

Oskaloosa has now lost five straight games since starting the season 2-0 as they lost last week to Sabetha 49-6. The Bears are not officially eliminated from playoff contention, but they would need to beat Royal Valley and get some help along the way to back themselves into the postseason.

Royal Valley isn’t guaranteed a playoff spot just yet but they’re sitting in a good spot despite losing to Nemaha Central last week 40-16. The loss against the Thunder snapped a brief two-game winning streak.

This will be the first meeting between Oskaloosa and Royal Valley since 2017 which the Panthers won 20-14. They also played in 2016 which Royal Valley won and then the previous meeting before that dates back to 1997.

Brandon’s Pick: Royal Valley
Justin’s Pick: Royal Valley
Kryndon’s Pick: Royal Valley

3A District 4

(2-5) Hiawatha at (2-5) Perry-Lecompton – Big East – Hiawatha Channel

Hiawatha played Holton tough last week and the score didn’t necessarily indicate the outcome as the Wildcats beat the Redhawks 35-14. The Redhawks defense did allow Holton to rush for 552 yards on 61 carries with 334 of those yards coming in the first half. Hiawatha has secured a spot in the playoffs but will have to go on the road in the first round in week nine.

Perry-Lecompton has also earned a spot in the postseason with the winner of this game against Hiawatha earning the 3-seed out of the district. The Kaws lost their game last week at state ranked Hayden 50-16 and have lost four of their last five games since a week two win against Sabetha.

This will be the first meeting between Hiawatha and Perry-Lecompton since 2021 with the Redhawks winning that game 21-7. The Kaws’ last win over Hiawatha was 47-7 back in 2020.

Brandon’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Justin’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Kryndon’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton

(6-1) Hayden at (1-6) Jefferson West

Hayden is up to #2 in 3A according to K-Preps this week after they defeated Perry-Lecompton last week 50-16. The win secured the district championship for the Wildcats. Jett Wahlmeier threw for 240 yards and three scores against the Kaws while Kade Mitchell was well over 100 receiving yards. Undefeated Andale is the only team ranked ahead of Hayden into the week eight slate.

Jefferson West was able to pick up their first win of the season last week defeating ACCHS 29-6. It was the most points scored in a game this season while it was the fewest points allowed in a game this season.

Hayden defeated Jefferson West last season 64-0 and are 9-0 against the Tigers dating back to 2004.

Brandon’s Pick: Hayden
Justin’s Pick: Hayden
Kryndon’s Pick: Hayden

Non-District

(6-1) Valley Heights at (5-2) Marion

Starting the year with a tight 20-14 loss hasn’t stunned these Mustangs one bit, Valley Heights has now rattled off their last six straight games and even secured the class 1A District 5 title with last Friday's 51-6 win over Republic County. They are also just one of the only teams in their district that will finish with an above .500 record. Valley Heights continues their lead in the all-time series against Republic County now 5-1. 

Marion Warriors battled tough last week to snap a two-game skid by laying a smackdown on Remington 32-18. The game was at one point a close 14-12 game before the Warriors extended it to 26-12 and from there on closed it out. The Warriors had a total of 329 yards, and they held the Broncos to 277 yards. 

This will be the first time all-time meeting between these two teams in this non-district game.

Brandon’s Pick: Marion
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Kryndon’s Pick: Valley Heights

(3-4) Linn at (6-1) Hanover – TVL

After starting the year 0-3 the Linn Bulldogs managed to rattle off three straight wins, and district wins as well. However last week was the battle for the district title in the 8M-DII District 4 championship against the Osborne Bulldogs. However, Linn had been destroyed by a final tally of 54-0 by Osborne. Linn is now 0-4 in the all-time series against the Osborne Bulldogs. Linn despite the loss, still is guaranteed postseason play. 

Hanover played in one of Kansas’s most anticipated games last week, Hanover at Axtell. Unfortunately for Hanover, they just had too rough of a start despite only being down 14-6 exiting the first quarter. Hanover turned the ball over a total of three times: Two interceptions returned for touchdowns and a fumble. Not only were there three turnovers for the Wildcats but there was also a turnover-on-downs. The biggest play of the game for Hanover was the 59-yard touchdown run in the second quarter from Alex Jueneman to cut the score to 44-12. Brandon Schmelzle by the end of the day was just too much for the Wildcats to handle in the much-needed league and district game.

Hanover has won thirteen straight games against Linn. The last loss came at the beginning of Matt Heuer’s coaching tenure with the Wildcats back in 2005, losing 48-42 to the Bulldogs.

Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kryndon’s Pick: Hanover

(4-3) St. Marys at (5-2) Sabetha – Big East – Sabetha Channel

St. Marys kept their playoff hopes alive with a big win last week against Council Grove 22-6. The Bear’s defense was the story of the game as they held Council Grove to just 13 rushing yards on 21 carries and forced three interceptions.

Sabetha bounced back after their loss to Nemaha Central with a 49-6 win against Oskaloosa that secured the Bluejays, the runner-up finish in the district behind the Thunder. The Bluejays defense have allowed just 18 points in their five wins while they’ve allowed 36 points in their two losses.

This will be the first meeting since 1986 which was an 18-11 playoff win for Sabetha. St. Marys last defeated Sabetha in 1984.

Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys
Justin’s Pick: St. Marys
Kryndon’s Pick: Sabetha

(4-3) Leavenworth at (4-3) Holton – Holton Channel

It's a first-time battle of 4-3 teams in a non-district and non-league game tonight as 3A Holton host senior night against 5A Leavenworth. Both teams have won four of their last five after starting the season 0-2. The Pioneers beat Topeka West 57-0 last week while Holton ran past Hiawatha 35-14.

Holton ran for 552 yards last week with a lot of big plays to push their rushing yards per game average back up to 297. The Wildcats had three players over 100 yards in Kyler Jackson, Korban Wilson, and Cael Frazier, while QB Bodie Dillon added 94 yards as well and all four of those guys have over 300 yards on the ground this season, led by Jackson with 676. The Holton defense continues to shine and now has 20 takeaways on the season while securing a district runner-up finish and home game next week.

Leavenworth is a balanced offense that has run for 1,025 yards and passed for 535 this season. Davon Slaughter has 615 rushing yards to pace the Pioneers while DyVair McCray leads a balanced receiving core with 11 receptions for 215 yards and has scored six touchdowns. Leavenworth has also got several big plays and four special teams touchdowns this year.

Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick:
Kryndon’s Pick: Holton

(6-1) Atchison at (0-6) KC Wyandotte

Atchison drove three-plus hours to Southeast Kansas last week and blanked Parsons 48-0. The Phoenix scored 21 points in each of the first two quarters to help put the game away at halftime. The Phoenix were balanced on offense with 179 passing yards and 268 rushing yards while averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. Leighton Boldridge rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown while Eric Smith III had 64 receiving yards and two scores.

KC Wyandotte is coming off a rare bye week as they didn’t play in week seven. Two weeks ago, they lost to KC Washington 46-0. They’ve been shutout in four of their games and have scored a total of 23 points this season. Wyandotte has lost 10 straight games dating back to last season.

Atchison has won 17 straight games against Wyandotte including last season 66-7. The series dates back to 1934 with Wyandotte’s last win against Atchison coming all the way back in 1938.

Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kryndon’s Pick: Atchison