Friday Night Fever Week 1 with Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week:
Overall:
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week:
Overall:
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week:
Overall:
Jake
Last week:
Overall:
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week:
Overall:
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE - LISTEN LIVE TAB
103.9 KNZA – Riverside at Jefferson County North
92.1 KMZA – Onaga at Doniphan West
93.7 KAIR – Ottawa at Atchison
106.9 KTPK – KC Piper at Topeka West
Holton & Sabetha Channels – Sabetha at Holton
Hiawatha Channel – Hiawatha at Baldwin
Cobra Channel – Jackson Heights at ACCHS
Silver Lake Channel – Silver Lake at St. Marys
Week 1
Twin Valley League
Blue Valley-Randolph at Clifton-Clyde
Blue Valley-Randolph is coming off a 2-7 season, where they allowed at least 34 points in every contest last season. The Rams are under the direction of new head coach, Riley Perrine. A total of 11 starters return from last season for the Rams, including senior quarterback Aeron Innes, who slotted into the position for the first time last year at the varsity level. This is game one of a very tough season long schedule for the Rams.
2025 was another good year for the Eagles of Clifton-Clyde, as they finished 6-3. A first-round loss to perennial power Little River ended their season, but head coach Russ Steinbrock returned for season number 26 for the Eagles. The Eagles return a strong core of players with plenty of experience and varsity snaps. If the Eagles remain healthy through the first couple of weeks, Coach Steinbrock is expecting big things from his players this season.
This is the first meeting between these two teams since 2023, when Clifton-Clyde won 46-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Kraxner’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Jake’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Boz’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Frankfort at Washington County
Last season was a fun one for the Frankfort Wildcats, with plenty of ups and downs. The team started the year 1-3, before finishing the season, 6-5. They extended plenty of streaks too, winning a playoff game for the 8th straight season and for the third straight season, won a regional championship game. Unfortunately, for the third straight season, Axtell eliminated them from the playoffs. It’s another tough schedule for the Wildcats this season, and they have a lot of faces in new places. But head coach Nick Anderson thinks his team can surprise some people if they put it all together.
The Washington County Tigers went 3-6 last season, improving upon their 1-8 season from 2024. They will be under the leadership of new head coach Jake Pannbacker this season. The Tigers return third year starting quarterback Easton Finlayson to lead the new offense, although they will have to replace 2nd Team All-League running back Gavyn LeDuc from last season. The Tigers return 7 starters on each side of the ball from last season and feel with a new district that they can turn some heads this season.
This is the first meeting between these two teams since 2023, when Frankfort won 54-6.
Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Kraxner’s Pick: Frankfort
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort
Onaga at Doniphan West – 92.1 KMZA
The Onaga Buffaloes return 14 total starters from last year’s 3-6 squad. Now under the direction of first year head coach David Hill, the Buffaloes will look to make some noise in 1A this season. Hill comes over after being an assistant coach at powerhouse Rock Creek. The Buffaloes return sophomore quarterback Ryder Kolterman, who had almost 1,000 total yards of offense as a true freshman quarterback last season. Onaga has a good mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen with experience, they had a great summer in the weight room.
The Doniphan West Mustangs finished last season 2-7 but did make it to the playoffs for the first time in a long time at the 11-man level. Under 4th year head coach John Paolino, the Mustangs have renewed excitement and expectations around the program as they feel the system is finally in place. The Mustangs JV went 4-0 last season and are hopeful that the success at that level will translate to the varsity level, as they will have many sophomores playing key positions.
Onaga is 5-2 all-time against Doniphan West, winning this game last year 14-6 to open the year. Onaga is looking to start the season 1-0 for the 3rd straight season.
Brandon’s Pick: Onaga
Justin’s Pick: Onaga
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Doniphan West
Boz’s Pick: Doniphan West
Hanover at Thayer Central (NL)
It was another banner year last season for the Hanover Wildcats, going a perfect 13-0 on their way to winning the 8-Man DII state title. It was the Wildcats 8th state football title in school history, and 7th at the 8-Man level, all coming since 2008, with head coach Matt Heuer leading them each time. Coach Heuer is excited about the talent that returns, including senior QB Kadrick Cohost, who had over 2,000 total yards of offense last season, accounting for 51 touchdowns as well.
Thayer Central opened their season last Saturday, losing 42-18 to Cross County at home. The Titans finished 8-2 last season, and 7-3 in 2024. Last week, they were just 2-12 passing the ball, but did rush for 204 yards, with the duo of quarterback Jaxon Krupicka and running back Owen McLaughlin leading the way. Krupicka and McLaughlin also combined for 36 tackles on defense.
This is the first all-time meeting between the two schools.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
Reno County Homeschool at Axtell (NL)
Reno County Homeschool went 9-0 last season, playing a mix of 8-man and 11-man games. And they will do the same this season. After playing Axtell this Friday, they will take on South Central, Hugoton, Rossville, and Andale. The Sabres can openly play whoever they want, at whatever level, since they aren’t KSHSAA affiliated. They are extremely talented too.
Axtell had another solid season last year, finishing the season 10-2. Unfortunately, their quest for a 5-peat and their 58-game winning streak ended, both at the hands of their rival, Hanover. The Eagles mercy ruled everyone else they played, but lost two close games to Hanover, 26-18 and 34-24 respectively. They do return senior quarterback Wyatt Detweiler, who totaled over 2,300 yards of offense last season, with 44 total touchdowns. They return a lot of other talent and experience as well and will be a team to watch come playoff time, as they will be primed to reclaim their title.
This will be the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
Centralia at Rock Creek (NL)
The Centralia Panthers put together another solid season on the gridiron in 2025, finishing the season 8-2, losing in the playoffs to a good Riverside team they had beaten earlier in the year. Senior quarterback Quentin Alderfer is back, the two time First Team All-State and First Team All-League selection will lead a dynamic and explosive offense that also returns Isaac Reinecke and Degan Ronnebaum. The Panthers allowed just 13.9 points per game last season as well. Centralia has a tough schedule this season, but come playoff time, they will be a very tough out, per usual.
The Rock Creek Mustangs have established themselves as a powerhouse in the 3A ranks, finishing last season 11-1, falling to Andale in the semifinals last season. They moved up to 4A this season and graduated a ton of seniors from last year’s squad. Head coach Shane Sieben believes the skill talent they return should keep them at the top of the mountain in the eastern part of the state, however. Junior quarterback Tate Smith, who took over the role in Week 4 last season, returns to lead an explosive offensive unit.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2015, when Centralia beat Rock Creek 32-18.
Brandon’s Pick: Rock Creek
Justin’s Pick: Rock Creek
Kraxner’s Pick: Rock Creek
Jake’s Pick: Rock Creek
Boz’s Pick: Rock Creek
Sacred Heart at Valley Heights (NL)
The Sacred Heart Knights finished last season 5-4, losing in the first round of the playoffs to Marion 20-12. They had been in the same district as Valley Heights since 2022, with the teams splitting the 4 games. The Knights are under the direction of Ryan Krajicek, who is in his 3rd season at Sacred Heart.
Valley Heights finished last season 4-5, taking a step back after a historic year in 2024, reaching the semifinals, before being knocked out by eventual state champs Conway Springs. The Mustangs faced a tough schedule last season and had some lengthy road trips, with a tough district. They do play a more local scope of teams in their district this season, and with plenty of talent and experience returning this season, they will look to bounce back. Head coach Cody Trimble returns for his 6th season leading the program.
Brandon’s Pick: Sacred Heart
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Kraxner’s Pick: Sacred Heart
Jake’s Pick: Sacred Heart
Boz’s Pick: Sacred Heart
Big East League
Perry-Lecompton at Rossville
Perry-Lecompton took some lumps last season and will look to bounce back in 2026 after finishing 2-7 overall. Despite just two wins, the Kaws advanced to the playoffs and were ousted in the first round by Santa Fe Trail in overtime 20-14. Improvements will need to be made on both sides of the ball for wins in 2026. Last season, the Kaws scored just 14 points per game while allowing nearly 30 points per game. The Kaws have a new quarterback in AJ Campbell, one of the best athletes in the league in Kayden Baker, and a quality two-way lineman in Lucien Brockhoff.
All Rossville did last season was finish 11-2 overall and were minutes away from a Class 1A State Championship. However, Sterling would prevail in Hutchinson 35-34 to earn the title over the Dawgs. The Black Bears victory denied Rossville their sixth state title since 2014. Derick Hammes returns for his 14th season as head coach and is 130-25 with five state championships. Last year, Rossville scored over 43 points per game while allowing under 14 points per game. Landen Lewis takes over for Canaan Mitchell at quarterback, and the Dawgs return four starters on the offensive line.
This will be the first meeting between Perry-Lecompton and Rossville since 2016 in which Rossville won 41-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville
Nemaha Central at Riley County
Another picture-perfect season unfolded for Nemaha Central in 2025 as they completed a perfect 13-0 season and were crowned Class 2A State Champions. After falling to Southeast of Saline in the title game in 2024, the Thunder got their revenge last year, dominating the Trojans in Hutch 35-6. The 2025 senior class finished 50-2 overall with three state titles. It was also the fourth state title in school history with the first in 2019. Things are little different in Seneca for multiple reasons, but the one that stands out is the fact that the Thunder are now up in Class 3A this cycle, so the level of competition has ramped up a touch.
Riley County went 3-6 last season and failed to make the playoffs. The Falcons went 0-4 in Big East League games with two regular season wins against Chapman and Hesston. Head coach Erik Willimon returns for his fifth season on the sidelines and has compiled a 25-20 record in his tenure. The Falcons return 25 letterwinners from last season and will look to push themselves back into the playoffs.
Since 2019, Nemaha Central is 4-0 against Riley County. The two teams last played in 2023 in which they played twice. The regular season final was 3-0 while they met again in the playoffs with that final being 55-13.
Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Kraxner’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jake’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Boz’s Pick: Riley County
Sabetha at Holton – Holton & Sabetha Channels
For a third straight season, Big East foes Sabetha and Holton collide in week one. The Bluejays are expected to be one of the top 2A teams in the state this year with eight starters returning on both sides of the ball for a team that went 9-2 a season ago and only loss to state champ Nemaha Central. The Jays are loaded with talent and experience, including a lot of third-year varsity seniors, as well as depth in all positions.
Holton went 6-5 last year and while they return a solid nucleus of their line, the Wildcats are replacing their entire backfield that accounted for more than 4,000 yards rushing and all but one varsity touchdown last fall. With a smaller senior class, Holton will rely on some younger players as they break in a new set of varsity players in their wishbone backfield.
Sabetha has won three straight against Holton, all by two scores or less.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
Silver Lake at St. Marys – Silver Lake Channel
Silver Lake started last season 0-2, which was the first time that has happened since 2004. After that, they won seven of their next eight games to finish 7-3 overall. The Eagles got by St. Marys in the first round of the playoffs before the season came to an end in the regional round against Sabetha 28-16. It was the third year in a row that Silver Lake was knocked out in the regional round. Kipton Kruger returns at quarterback after having one of the best freshman seasons in the state.
St. Marys heads into 2026 after posting a 3-6 campaign in 2025. The Bears were 3-2 to start but struggled in the back half of the season. The Bears graduated a good senior class and only return six players this season that saw any significant playing time last year. Parker Heim steps in at quarterback while Jace Hurla will look to lead the backfield at running back. Dropping back to Class 1A should provide some benefit, but there is an argument to be made that the Bears will still face one of the toughest schedules of any team in the classification.
Silver Lake beat St. Marys twice last season 21-6 in the regular season and 29-8 in the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles have won 24 straight games against the Bears with St. Marys’ last win over Silver Lake in 2004.
Brandon’s Pick: Silver Lake
Justin’s Pick: Silver Lake
Kraxner’s Pick: Silver Lake
Jake’s Pick: Silver Lake
Boz’s Pick: Silver Lake
Royal Valley at Jefferson West
Royal Valley is fresh off a 3-6 campaign in 2025 which featured a playoff appearance. The Panthers return six starters on offense that averaged nearly 25 points and 287 rushing yards per game last season. They return quality experience on the offensive line and will have a stable of good running backs including Manny Oliveira and Alex Johnson while they also return Landon Gilbert, who is one of the best all-around athletes in the league. Head coach David Boucher enters his sixth season with 11 returning letterwinners with four starters returning on the defensive side.
It was a new-look Jefferson West squad last season, and they broke out in a big way. With Jeff Schwinn taking over and an exciting group of new players, the Tigers were able to break out finishing 8-3 overall and making a deep run into the postseason. To put that into perspective, Jeff West won a title of nine games the previous five seasons. It was also the first time that the Tigers won multiple playoff games since 2009. The Tigers have gone from hunter to hunted quickly as they should be in the mix for a league title and another deep playoff run.
Royal Valley is 10-9 against Jefferson West since 2004. The Tigers won last year’s matchup 35-20 which snapped a three-game losing streak against the Panthers.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson West
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson West
Kraxner’s Pick: Jefferson West
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson West
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson West
Hiawatha at Baldwin (NL) – Hiawatha Channel
Wyatt Jiru enters his third season as the head coach at Hiawatha and will look to improve on a 3-6 campaign last season. The Redhawks averaged nearly 24 points per game last season, but nearly 79% of those points came in their three wins. They failed to make the playoffs, but defeated Osawatomie in the week nine non-playoff game 78-7. Hiawatha will be one of the most inexperienced teams in the league as they return very little experience and will have a lot of freshmen and sophomores playing important roles from the jump.
Baldwin finished last season 5-4 which included a 3-1 mark in district play. The season ended in the first round of the playoffs with a 54-12 loss against Holton. It was a step in the right direction as it was their first home playoff game since 2017. Back at quarterback is senior Bryis Alford who threw for 1,320 yards last season with 18 touchdowns while adding 566 rushing yards and eight more scores. Worth noting that Baldwin won the Class 4A State Basketball Title last season.
This is the first meeting between Baldwin and Hiawatha since 1981 and that year, Baldwin beat Hiawatha in the playoffs 14-7.
Brandon’s Pick: Baldwin
Justin’s Pick: Baldwin
Kraxner’s Pick: Baldwin
Jake’s Pick: Baldwin
Boz’s Pick: Baldwin
Northeast Kansas League
Pleasant Ridge at Valley Falls
Last year was a step in the right direction for Pleasant Ridge as they went 3-6 overall. That was after posting a 0-9 campaign in 2024. Finishing last season with back-to-back wins provided good momentum going into the offseason. Chase Watkins returns at quarterback after playing last season as a freshman. The skill positions will have some new faces, but the offensive line returns all but one player from last season. It will be tougher across the board this season for the Rams as they make the jump up from 1A to 2A.
Valley Falls is under new leadership in 2026 as Ryan Noel steps in as the head coach. The Dragons have posted four straight 1-8 seasons. Plenty of underclassmen got an opportunity for snaps last season so experience should be a little better in 2026, however they are replacing a senior class that featured nine players. The offensive line returns all five from last season, so it’s a good starting point for a new look Dragons squad in 2026.
Pleasant Ridge is 9-3 against Valley Falls dating back to 2004. The Rams won the matchup last season 12-6 while the Dragons last beat P-Ridge 38-6 in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Kraxner’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jake’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Boz’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jackson Heights at ACCHS – Cobra Channel
Jackson Heights was one of the best teams in the state in 1A last season. The Cobras finished 11-1 overall and were one win away from a state championship game. After dominating for all but two of the 11 weeks, the season ended with a 21-18 loss to Rossville in the Sub-State championship game. Despite the heartbreak, the Cobras senior class leaves behind one of the most accomplished groups the program has ever produced. Despite losing some of the best all-around talent in the league, the Cobras return 12 letterwinners including eight starters on both sides of the ball.
Atchison County made big strides in 2025 finishing 4-6 overall, and that was with one of the hardest districts in the class which included Sabetha and Nemaha Central. After playing through that daunting schedule, the Tigers went on the road and beat district winner Eureka 31-0 in the first round of the playoffs, before being eliminated by eventual state semifinalist Osage City the following week. Kody Tegtmeier returns as head coach as the Tigers will look to make some noise atop the NEKL this season.
This is the first meeting between Atchison County and Jackson Heights since 2023, a game that the Cobras won 46-26. The Tigers last beat Jackson Heights in 2022 by a final score of 18-6. The two teams played seven times between 2010 and 2023 with Jackson Heights holding the 4-3 advantage in that stretch.
Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Kraxner’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Jake’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Boz’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Horton at Maur Hill-Mount Academy
2025 was a tough one for Horton as they finished without a win. The Chargers were constantly faced with adversity whether it be injuries, not enough available players, etc. Derek Richardson returns as head coach and will have nine letterwinners back and six starters on both sides of the ball. A huge advantage for Horton this season is the continuity. For seven years (2019-2025) there were six head coaches at Horton. After finishing last year with just 14 players, the expected number of players entering 2026 for the Chargers is around 25-30.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy took a little step back in 2025 finishing 3-6 overall. The regime has changed as Jose Licon, the longtime offensive coordinator at Hugoton, takes over the program. The Ravens return sophomore Zaeydn Harper at quarterback. Harper threw for 768 yards and six touchdowns last season as a freshman. Defensively they will need to sure some things up after allowing 33 points per game last season.
Since 2007, Maur Hill-Mount Academy is 11-6 against Horton. The Ravens won the matchup last season 34-20 which snapped a brief two-game losing streak to the Chargers.
Brandon’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Justin’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Kraxner’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Jake’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Boz’s Pick: Horton
Riverside at Jefferson County North – 103.9 KNZA
Riverside posted a tremendous 2025 season, finishing 8-3 overall and winning their first game at Centralia since the early 1970’s. That win against Centralia secured a regional championship, but the season would end after that game with a 21-14 loss at Jackson Heights in the sectional round. Bryce Paden returns for his eighth season as the head coach, they will have to replace a heavy senior class, and a jump in Class to 2A will make things look a little different for the Cyclones in 2026.
Another winning season for JCN in 2025 as Jeff Schneider led the Chargers to an 8-2 record. Schneider now has 10 winning seasons in his 11 years at the helm. There two losses were against two teams that met in the 1A semifinals in Jackson Heights and Rossville. The Chargers return seven starters on offense that averaged nearly 36 points per game last season. The Chargers return multiple all-league players including Knox Heston and Christopher Noll.
These two teams last played in 2024 with Riverside defeating JCN 42-22 in the playoffs. JCN’s last victory over the Cyclones was 64-22 back in 2022.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Kraxner’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson County North
McLouth at Oskaloosa
McLouth took a step back in 2025 after graduating a heavy senior class in 2024 when they finished 7-3. Last year’s record was 3-6 but featured some close losses. Expectations will be for the Bulldogs to improve in 2026 as they bring back all 22 starters from a year ago. The record wasn’t great last year, but winning three of the last five should’ve provided some momentum for the offseason. Justin Patz is back at quarterback, and Peyton Wyatt returns to lead the running backs and linebackers.
Oskaloosa finished last year 2-7 overall but were 2-2 in league play. The two wins happened to be in the first two weeks of the season before it all unraveled with seven straight losses to end the year. The Bears were outscored in those seven games 360-39. Despite the struggles last season, the Bears return some very good talent include quarterback Richie Rockhold, wide receiver Derrick Harvey, and defensive back Cash Perry.
This is the first meeting between McLouth and Oskaloosa since 2023 in which the Bears won that game 22-6. McLouth’s last win against Oskaloosa was 2022 by a final score of 30-14. From 2006 to 2023, Oskaloosa won 12 of the 18 meetings against the Bulldogs.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
Lyndon at Troy (NL)
Lyndon won eight straight games last year before suffering their only loss to Little River in the second round of the playoffs. They only played one close game during that eight game winning streak, and it was a 10-point win against Frankfort in week two. Michael Massey returns for his fourth season as the head coach at Lyndon.
Last year was the second straight season that the Troy Trojans posted a 6-4 record. Last year was also the fourth straight season that the Trojans were eliminated in the regional round of the playoffs. Now things are much different in Troy as the Trojans have dropped down from 11-man to the 8-man ranks and will compete in division two. Kaston Jasper returns after throwing for 2,292 yards and 27 touchdowns last season while Colt Jensen returns after hauling in 68 receptions for 754 yards and 16 all-purpose touchdowns last season.
This will be the first meeting between Troy and Lyndon since they played back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019. Troy won the matchup in 2018 by a final score of 35-0 while Lyndon responded in 2019 with a 36-16 victory.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
Meadowlark Conference
Ottawa at Atchison (NL) – KAIR 93.7
Last season, Ottawa jumped out to an early 3-0 record, which included a 49-7 romp against Atchison in the opener. After the first three weeks, Ottawa finished 4-4 for a 7-4 record overall. The season included playoff wins against Lansing and Piper before falling to Labette County to end their season.
Atchison finished last season 5-4 which included a 4-2 mark in Meadowlark Conference play under first year head coach Jordan Malcolm. They finished 5-3 in the regular season and earned the 4-seed in 4A east, but the first round opponent was Bishop Miege, and the Phoenix’s season ended with a 57-7 to the Stags. Coach Malcolm will have some work cut out for him in 2026 as they return just two starters on offense and three on defense.
These two teams will match for the fifth time in the last five seasons. Ottawa won last year and in 2024 by a final score of 24-14. Atchison won both matchups in 2022 and 2023 by scores of 31-24 and 48-42 respectively.
Brandon’s Pick: Ottawa
Justin’s Pick: Ottawa
Kraxner’s Pick: Ottawa
Jake’s Pick: Ottawa
Boz’s Pick: Atchison
