Friday Night Fever: Week 2 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 19-0
Overall: 19-0
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 17-2
Overall: 17-2
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 18-1
Overall: 18-1
Jake
Last week: 19-1
Overall: 19-1
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 15-5
Overall: 15-5
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA & Hiawatha Channel – Hiawatha at Perry-Lecompton
92.1 KMZA & Sabetha Channel – Nemaha Central at Sabetha
93.7 KAIR – Maur Hill-Mount Academy at Valley Falls
106.9 KTPK & Silver Lake Channel – Rossville at Silver Lake
Holton Channel – Holton at Royal Valley
Cobra Channel – McLouth at Jackson Heights
Week 2
Twin Valley League
(1-0) Axtell at (1-0) Clifton-Clyde
It was much of the same for the Axtell Eagles last week in a 74-44 win over Reno County Homeschool. Explosive offensive plays all throughout the night, plus a kick return touchdown for Wyatt Detweiler. Detweiler threw for 5 touchdowns as well on the night. Bill Lybarger had four receiving touchdowns. Axtell has a 60+ game winning streak against teams not named Hanover.
Clifton-Clyde played a high scoring affair themselves last week, knocking off TVL foe Blue Valley-Randolph 82-50. In that contest, Kyzler Damman had 440 yards of offense and 9 TDs in the win. Under the direction of longtime head coach, Russ Steinbrock, the Eagles are looking to have a big year in 8-Man DI this season.
These two teams haven’t played since the 2023 season, when Axtell won 52-6. Axtell has won the last three meetings between these two teams, dating back to 2013.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
(0-1) Washington County at (1-0) Hanover
Washington County played a close one last week at home against a solid Frankfort team, but lost 44-28, despite being up 16-8 at halftime. Easton Finlayson threw for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns in the loss. It was an encouraging beginning to the Jake Pannbacker era for the Tigers, as they will look to bounce back in another league game this week at Hanover.
The Hanover Wildcats took care of Thayer Central out of Nebraska with ease last Friday, in the first all-time meeting between the two schools. They led 32-0 at the halftime break, before rolling to a 62-20 victory. The Wildcats will play their home opener this Friday against league opponent Washington County.
Hanover has won the last two meetings by scores of 60-0 and 52-0 the last two seasons.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(0-1) Doniphan West at (0-1) Valley Heights
Last week was a tough one for the Doniphan West Mustangs as they dropped an instant classic to Onaga 24-20 at home. In the loss, sophomore quarterback Braylon Shelton threw for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Breckan Falk had 4 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Valley Heights faced plenty of adversity last week, in their 40-11 loss to Sacred Heart at home. They lost their starting quarterback within the first three plays and had to turn to a freshman. However, after a tough first half, Coach Trimble was encouraged by what he saw from his team in the second half.
Valley Heights has won the last 4 meetings between these two teams, including a 33-14 win last season. Doniphan West last beat Valley Heights in 2015, 35-34.
Brandon’s Pick: Doniphan West
Justin’s Pick: Doniphan West
Kraxner’s Pick: Valley Heights
Jake’s Pick: Doniphan West
Boz’s Pick: Doniphan West
Big East League
(0-1) Hiawatha at (0-1) Perry-Lecompton – 103.9 KNZA & Hiawatha Channel
Tough way to start the season last week for the Redhawks as they lost at Baldwin 54-6. Baldwin led the game 40-0 at halftime. It was only the third all-time meeting between the two teams and the first since 1981. With the win, Baldwin now owns the 2-1 edge in the series.
Perry-Lecompton began their season last week with a 35-14 loss at Rossville. AJ Campbell completed 9-of-20 passes for 111 yards. Tanner Wheat led the rushing attack with nine carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Kayden Baker was the leading receiver with two receptions for 27 yards.
The Kaws have dominated the last two meeting with the Redhawks winning last season 41-7 and the year before 34-20.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Kraxner’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Jake’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Boz’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
(1-0) Nemaha Central at (1-0) Sabetha – 92.1 KMZA & Sabetha Channel
Nemaha Central kicked off the post Carter Hajek era, with a tight 7-6 road win against a stingy Riley County team last Friday. Nine different players are seeing time this year for the Thunder, with that talented and historic senior class graduating. Junior Sullivan Haverkamp led the way with 60 rushing yards. Five different guys got a carry, and three different players threw a pass last week for the Thunder.
The number one ranked team in Class 2A, the Sabetha Bluejays played like it last week, dismantling Holton 49-20 on the road. It was 49-6 after three quarters, when Sabetha pulled their starters. Senior quarterback Micah Lang led the way, as one of eight returning starters, with 143 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the night.
Nemaha Central has won the last 9 meetings between these teams, but almost all of them being very close ball games. The last time Sabetha beat the Thunder was 2020, with a 29-22 score.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(0-1) Holton at (0-1) Royal Valley – Holton Channel
It’s a Jackson County Big East battle between teams trying to bounce back after suffering season opening losses against tough competition. Holton fell to Sabetha 49-20 despite running for 338 yards. The Wildcats had Jarett Abel go for 146 yards including an 84 yard first half TD while Edward Shupe added 132 yards on the ground. Holton struggled on defense with only three starters returning on that side of the ball and had 8 penalties for 77 yards.
It’s the first of three straight road games for Holton, but a short trip south to face Royal Valley, who Coach Brooks Barta has not lost to since his first year at Holton in 1996. Royal Valley dropped their opener last week at Jefferson West 41-8. The Panthers allowed the Tigers to score touchdowns on six of seven drives in the first half.
Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Holton
Jake’s Pick: Royal Valley
Boz’s Pick: Holton
(0-1) St. Marys at (0-1) Riley County
St. Marys began their season last week with a 27-0 loss against Silver Lake. The Bears could only muster up 67 rushing yards on 33 carries while Parker Heim completed just 4-of-15 passes for 32 yards and an interception. Bears trailed 7-0 after the first quarter, but the Eagles scored 20 in the second quarter and never looked back.
Riley County nearly knocked off the defending 2A champions last week, but Nemaha Central prevailed over the Falcons 7-6. Riley County rushed for 172 yards led by quarterback Kadrick Woodard who finished with 26 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. Woodard also completed 6-of-11 passes for 45 yards and an interception.
Riley County is 17-4 against St. Marys dating back to 2004. The Bears won the matchup last season 22-13 which snapped a 14-game winning streak for the Falcons against St. Marys.
Brandon’s Pick: Riley County
Justin’s Pick: Riley County
Kraxner’s Pick: Riley County
Jake’s Pick: Riley County
Boz’s Pick: Riley County
(1-0) Rossville at (1-0) Silver Lake – 106.9 KTPK & Silver Lake Channel
Rossville opened their season with a 35-14 rout over Perry-Lecompton. Rossville rushed for 247 yards led by quarterback Landen Lewis who finished with 167 yards on 21 carries with five touchdowns. Lewis also completed 13-of-17 passes for 159 yards. Cael Horgan was the Dawgs leading receiver with six receptions for 72 yards.
Silver Lake blanked St. Marys last week 27-0 and was powered by a 20-point second quarter. Sophomore quarterback Kip Kruger threw for 165 yards while Dom Monhollon rushed for 118 yards.
Since 2004, Silver Lake is 22-8 against Rossville with the Dawgs winning the game last season 28-27. Silver Lake had won the previous three meetings including 33-26 in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Silver Lake
Kraxner’s Pick: Silver Lake
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Silver Lake
Northeast Kansas League
(1-0) McLouth at (1-0) Jackson Heights – Cobra Channel
McLouth left no doubt last week as they opened the season with a 36-0 win at Oskaloosa. The Bulldogs and Bears have now alternated wins in each of the last eight meetings.
Jackson Heights, the defending NEKL champs, opened the season last week with a 32-7 win over Atchison County. They led the Tigers 12-7 at halftime and 18-7 going into the fourth quarter. Tatum Eisenbarth led the Cobras with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Jackson Heights has won the last four meetings in the series including last season 55-8. The Bulldogs last win against the Cobras was 28-20 back in 2014.
Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(1-0) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (0-1) Valley Falls – 93.7 KAIR
Maur Hill-Mounty Academy started off the Jose Licon era in the right way, beating Horton 44-6 in their home opener. It was a good all-around night for the Ravens, as they led by 30 points at halftime. They hit the road for the first time, taking on a league opponent in the Valley Falls Dragons.
The Dragons had a tough one last Friday, dropping their season opener against Pleasant Ridge 52-0. First year head coach, Ryan Noel will look to flip the script this week with his team, and try and earn his first win as the Dragons head coach.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy beat Valley Falls 21-12 last season. They have won all 4 of the all-time meetings between the two schools, per Kansas Football History.
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: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
(1-0) Pleasant Ridge at (0-1) ACCHS
Pleasant Ridge began their season last week with a big time win over Valley Falls 52-0. It was the second straight win for the Rams over the Dragons as they own a 10-3 edge over the last 13 meetings.
ACCHS hung tough last week against the defending league champs in Jackson Heights, but the Cobras were able to beat ACCHS 32-7. The Tigers trailed 12-7 at halftime and 18-7 going into the fourth quarter. The Tigers rushed for 129 yards and averaged five yards per carry. Riley Kesinger led that category with nine carries for 48 yards.
This is the first meeting between the Rams and Tigers since 2023. Atchison County has won the last three meetings with the Rams’ last win in the series coming in 2019.
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Kraxner’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jake’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Boz’s Pick: ACCHS
(0-1) Jefferson County North at (0-1) Horton
Jefferson County North lost at home to Riverside last week in the opener 41-28. The Chargers squandered a nine-point halftime lead and were outscored by the Cyclones 28-6 in the second half. JCN got touchdowns from Knox Heston, Chris Noll, and Merrick Noll twice. Merrick led the Chargers on the ground with 21 carries for 135 yards. Brody VanDyke completed 9-of-13 passes for 83 yards.
Horton opened their season last week with a 44-6 loss at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. The Ravens built a 30-point halftime lead and never looked back.
JCN has won seven straight games against Horton including last season 48-0. Horton has scored a total of 58 points during their seven-game losing streak to JCN. Horton’s last win in the series was 44-0 back in 2014.
Brandon’s Pick: JCN
Justin’s Pick: JCN
Kraxner’s Pick: JCN
Jake’s Pick: JCN
Boz’s Pick: JCN
(0-1) Oskaloosa at (1-0) Riverside
Oskaloosa was shutout at home last week in the opener 36-0 against McLouth. Going back to 2006, Oskie still holds an edge of 12-7 in the series against McLouth.
Riverside rallied for a 41-28 win at Jefferson County North last week. Freshman running back Charles Hewins rushed for a school record 339 yards to go along with four touchdowns. The Cyclones also found success in the passing game in the second half as quarterback Kobe Koehler completed 6-of-12 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Both went to Keagan Hughes who finished the night with three catches for 61 yards and those two scores.
This is the first meeting between Riverside and Oskaloosa since 2020 in which the Cyclones won 50-22.
Brandon’s Pick: Riverside
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
Meadowlark Conference
(0-1) KC Wyandotte at (0-1) Atchison
Wyandotte opened their season last week with a 48-9 loss at home against Bonner Springs. Wyandotte’s struggles continue in season openers as they have not won a season opener since 2012. Wyandotte is coming off a 1-7 campaign last year with their lone win against Harmon.
For the second straight season, Atchison begins the year with a big loss to Ottawa. Last season it was 49-7, and last week the Ottawa victory was 49-8. Atchison is now 5-9 against Ottawa in their last 14 meetings.
Dating back to 2008, Atchison and Wyandotte have played 17 times, and Atchison has won all 17 meetings including last season 56-6.
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kraxner’s Pick: Atchison
Jake’s Pick: Atchison
Boz’s Pick: Atchison
Non-League
(0-1) Centralia at (1-0) Jefferson West
Last week the Panthers made the long trek out west, taking on 4A power Rock Creek, and hung with them all the way, before eventually falling, 14-0. Centralia kept it close all the way, with the game being tied 0-0 at halftime. They drove the ball all night, but failed to score inside the 10-yard line, multiple times on the night. The Panthers ran 60 plays, compared to just 32 for Rock Creek.
It was all Jefferson West last week in their season opening 41-8 win over Royal Valley. In the home opener, the Tigers jumped out to a 41-0 halftime lead, thanks in large part to the Schwinn brothers. Brixton, the sophomore phenom at quarterback, threw for 271 yards and 5 touchdowns, and ran for 65 more yards. Brody, the senior wide receiver hauled in 6 catches for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns.
This is the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
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
(1-0) Onaga at (0-1) Remington
The Onaga Buffaloes won their season opener on the road against Doniphan West, 24-20 last week, getting big performances from sophomore quarterback Ryder Kolterman and junior running back Luke Poell. Kolterman had 233 total yards of offense and 2 touchdowns. Poell ran for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. Onaga has won their last 3 games against Doniphan West.
Remington lost last week at Marion 18-8. The Broncos finished just 2-7 last season. In their game against Marion last week, the Broncos allowed 250 yards of offense and threw two interceptions. They didn’t get much going on offense at all.
This will be the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
Brandon’s Pick: Onaga
Justin’s Pick: Onaga
Kraxner’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Onaga
Boz’s Pick: Onaga
(1-0) Troy at (1-1) Bishop LeBlond
Troy opened their 8-man era last week with a dominate 58-20 win at home over Lyndon. Kaston Jasper had 339 total yards of offense while Colt Jensen and Lane Hartman each had over 100 receiving yards. Jensen had five total touchdowns including on a kickoff return.
Bishop LeBlond is off to a 1-1 start this season as they won their first game last week 64-8 over Schuyler County. They lost the previous week against North Shelby 38-0. Junior quarterback Pax Helsel has thrown for 247 yards and three touchdowns while Jensen Nash through two games has rushed for 78 yards on over six yards per carry.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
(0-1) Lyndon at (1-0) Frankfort
Lyndon traveled up to Troy last week, falling behind 28-0 early in the second quarter, they would be down 42-14 at halftime, before losing 58-20 to the Trojans. They had 219 total yards of offense and turned it over four times. They allowed Troy to gain 424 total yards of offense. Lyndon did go 8-1 last season.
Frankfort overcame a 16-8 halftime deficit, on their way to a 44-28 victory over Washington County. In the win, the Wildcats ran for 242 yards and threw for 145 yards. Henry Ketter had three total touchdowns in his first start at quarterback since his freshman year. Eli Ketter was everywhere on defense, with 9 tackles, a sack, two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.
Lyndon won this game last year 54-44, but the Wildcats won 72-22 back in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Kraxner’s Pick: Frankfort
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort
(1-0) Canton-Galva at (0-1) Blue Valley-Randolph
Canton-Galva won their home opener last week against Goessel 52-6. It was a dominant performance for the Eagles under third year head coach Ted Regehr. Canton-Galva finished 4-5 last season, and 3-6 in 2024.
Blue Valley-Randolph lost a high scoring affair last week to Clifton-Clyde 82-50. The Rams found themselves down 46-30 at the half and 58-42 after three quarters before Clifton-Clyde pulled away in the final quarter. Offensively, it was a good showing in Riley Perrine’s first game as head coach, but the Rams will look to improve defensively this week.
Per Kansas Football History, this is the first all-time meeting between these two schools.
Brandon’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Justin’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Kraxner’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Jake’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Boz’s Pick: Canton-Galva
(0-1) Lakeside-Downs at (0-0) Linn
Last week, the Lakeside-Downs Knights lost to Lincoln 60-12. The Knights allowed 161 passing yards and 133 rushing yards in the loss. The Knights offense struggled moving the ball, allowing 6 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks and throwing an interception.
Linn had an open week in week one, so this is their season opener and home opener. Of the 7 regular season games the Bulldogs play, 5 of them are at home. Under the direction of first year head coach Michael Rottinghaus, Linn will look to build off the success of last year’s 7-4 campaign. It was a historic year, being their first winning season since 2005, their first playoff win since 2005 and they were undefeated district champions.
These two teams last met in 2023, with Lakeside-Downs winning 70-56. The Knights also won in 2022 48-46. Linn last won this matchup in 2013, 48-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Kraxner’s Pick: Linn
Jake’s Pick: Linn
Boz’s Pick: Linn
