Friday Night Fever: Week 3 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 12-7
Overall: 31-7
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 14-5
Overall: 31-7
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 15-4
Overall: 33-5
Jake
Last week: 15-5
Overall: 34-6
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 15-5
Overall: 30-10
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA & Holton Channel – Holton at Baldwin
92.1 KMZA – Doniphan West at Centralia
93.7 KAIR – ACCHS at Oskaloosa
106.9 KTPK – Seaman vs. Shawnee Heights
Sabetha & Hiawatha Channels – Sabetha at Hiawatha
Cobra Channel – Jackson Heights at Horton
Silver Lake Channel – Jefferson West at Silver Lake
Week 3
Twin Valley League
(1-1) Clifton-Clyde at (1-0) Linn
Clifton-Clyde took a step back last week, as they were beaten at halftime by Axtell, 56-0. In the loss, the Eagles had 112 yards in total. They also committed 11 penalties in just half a game. Kyzler Damman had 88 of those yards, after a monster game against Blue Valley-Randolph the week prior.
The Linn Bulldogs started the Michael Rottinghaus era the right way, crushing Lakeside-Downs, 52-6. Linn picks up right where they left off from last season, when they finished 7-4, going undefeated in districts, posting their first winning season since 2005, and recording their first playoff win since 2005.
The two teams played last year at Linn, with the Eagles winning 8-0. Clifton-Clyde has won the last 5 meetings, with Linn’s last win coming back in 2014, when they won 42-34.
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Kraxner’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Jake’s Pick: Linn
Boz’s Pick: Linn
(0-2) Doniphan West at (0-2) Centralia – 92.1 KMZA
Doniphan West was shut out last week at Valley Heights, dropping a 13-0 contest. It comes on the heels of a 24-20 loss in week one to Onaga. The Mustangs feel they could easily be 2-0 right now and are fired up and ready to go against their last league opponent, the Centralia Panthers. Doniphan West has been able to drive the ball the first two weeks, but they will look to more consistent finishing drives and finding the endzone.
The Centralia Panthers will get their home opener this week, after back-to-back long trips to bigger school powerhouses, in Rock Creek and Jeff West. But credit to the Panthers, they were very close and competitive each week, they just ran out of steam and fresh bodies in the 4th quarter of each. Quarterback Quentin Alderfer will be one to watch again this season in 1A.
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Centralia
(2-0) Chase County at (2-0) Axtell
Chase County is off to another great start under 4th year head coach Derick Budke. The Bulldogs have been the model of consistency in 8-Man DI the last 5 seasons, finishing under .500 just one season, but winning at least 7 games in each of the other 4 seasons.
Axtell walloped Clifton-Clyde last week, 56-0. The Eagles were explosive and dominant, putting up 34 first quarter points. Wyatt Detweiler was great again, posting 5 total touchdowns. His top target, Bill Lybarger was also fantastic again, hauling in 3 catches for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Eagles defense also intercepted two passes.
These two teams played in Axtell last year, in week three, with the Eagles winning 54-0. Axtell won in 2024, 46-0. Per Kansas Football History, those are the only two all-time meetings between the two schools.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
(0-2) Ell-Saline at (2-0) Hanover
Ell-Saline is off to a tough 0-2 start. The Cardinals were blasted in week one, by perennial power Little River, 46-0. And then last week, lost a close game to Central Plains 24-22. Ell-Saline finished 9-2 last season, losing to Hanover week one 32-8. The Cardinals also finished 8-2 in 2024. This is typically a good football program.
It was much of the same for the Hanover Wildcats last week, dominating Washington County, beating them 46-0. It’s now a 15-game winning streak for Hanover, with just 6 of those games not being mercy rules. Only 3 of those games have been within 2 scores.
These teams have met in each of the last 4 seasons, with each team winning twice. Hanover has won the last two, last year winning 32-8. Ell-Saline last won in 2023, 44-28.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(0-2) Lakeside-Downs at (1-1) Blue Valley-Randolph
Lakeside-Downs was handled with ease last week by the Linn Bulldogs, 52-6. That’s after Lincoln beat them in week one, 60-12. Those are two teams that had good seasons last year. The Knights have struggled to do anything offensively, totaling just 205 total yards of offense through two weeks.
Blue Valley-Randolph has been explosive offensively the first two weeks under first year head coach, Riley Perrine. The Rams have scored 50 and 46, although in week one they gave up 82. Last week, they shut out Canton-Galva 46-0 to get their first win under coach Perrine.
These two last played each other in 2021, with Lakeside-Downs winning 56-6. The Knights have won the last three matchups. Blue Valley-Randolph’s last win was in 2018, 68-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Justin’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Kraxner’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Jake’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Boz’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
(0-2) Washington County at (0-1) Manhattan Eagles
Washington County had a tough one last week, dropping their game against Hanover 46-0. The Tigers were down 32-0 at the end of the first quarter against the defending state champions. They will look to bounce back on the road against the Manhattan Eagles, a non-KSHSAA certified team.
The Eagles didn’t play last week, having an open week. They did play two weeks ago, against KC East Christian and lost 48-6. The Eagles have had a winning season every year since 2022. They have lost 2 or fewer games in each of those seasons.
Per Kansas Football History, this is the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
Brandon’s Pick: Manhattan
Justin’s Pick: Manhattan
Kraxner’s Pick: Washington County
Jake’s Pick: Manhattan
Boz’s Pick: Manhattan
(1-1) Valley Heights at (1-1) Republic County
Valley Heights bounced back last week against Doniphan West, blanking the Mustangs 13-0. Since being down 40-3 at halftime against Sacred Heart in week one, the Mustangs haven’t allowed a single point the last 6 quarters. They will get their quarterback Ben Miller back this week after losing him in the first half of week one.
Republic County bounced back last week, knocking off Minneapolis 26-6, after a week one loss to Lyons 22-14. The Buffaloes love to run the football, averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground through the first two weeks. Senior running back Nickolas Kendall ran for 254 yards last week.
Both of these teams love to run the football, so expect a close game. Last season, Republic County won this game 36-11. Valley Heights won this matchup in 2024, 51-6.
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Kraxner’s Pick: Valley Heights
Jake’s Pick: Republic County
Boz’s Pick: Valley Heights
(1-1) Wabaunsee at (1-1) Onaga
The Wabaunsee Chargers are coming off a 35-14 loss last week against traditional power, Olpe at home. The Chargers blasted West Franklin in week one, 45-3. The Chargers ran a balanced offensive attack, but have had more success passing the football. Quarterback Jacob Debler is 27-43 passing the ball for 345 yards and two touchdown passes this season. Defensively, they have racked up a bunch of tackles for loss and 3 interceptions on the season.
The Onaga Buffaloes made the long trip to Whitewater-Remington last week and dropped a close one, 14-12. They were down 8-6 at halftime, and 14-6 going to the 4th quarter, but were unsuccessful on the game-tying two point conversion. Sophomore quarterback Ryder Kolterman has accounted for over 425 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns this season.
All-time in this matchup, the Buffaloes lead the all-time series 10-7. The last time they played was 2015, with Wabaunsee winning 41-14. The last time Onaga won was 2014, 34-8.
Brandon’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Justin’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Kraxner’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Boz’s Pick: Wabaunsee
(2-0) Frankfort at (0-2) Stanton County
Frankfort improved to 2-0, after beating Lyndon 36-26 last week. The Wildcats jumped out to a 28-6 halftime lead, before having to hang on in the second half. Frankfort ran for 254 yards as a team, with Peyton Adams leading the way, rushing for 130 yards on 10 carries, finding the endzone twice. Adams also caught a touchdown pass. Kyler Parthemer led the team, with 15 total tackles.
Stanton County is 0-2 on the season, losing to Turpin, out of Oklahoma, 62-14, and then losing to Cair Paravel 60-14 last week. The Trojans are yet to throw a pass this season. They have rushed for 387 yards as a team this season, through two games.
This game will be played in Claflin on Saturday afternoon, at 2 p.m. This is the first all-time meeting between the two schools on the gridiron.
Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Kraxner’s Pick: Frankfort
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort
Big East League
(1-1) Perry-Lecompton at (0-2) St. Marys
Perry-Lecompton picked up their first win of the season last week over Hiawatha 44-8. AJ Campbell threw for 117 yards and a touchdown while adding 92 rushing yards and three more scores. Tanner Wheat added 17 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown while Kayden Baker had a fumble return touchdown.
The Bears are still in search of win number one this season after dropping to 0-2 last week with a 21-0 loss at Riley County. The Bears were held to just 102 rushing yards on three yards per carry and 11 total passing yards. Parker Heim led the way with 12 carries for 54 yards.
St. Marys has won the last two games against the Kaws with a 28-0 final last season and a 30-6 final in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Justin’s Pick: St. Mary’s
Kraxner’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Jake’s Pick: Perry Lecompton
Boz’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
(1-1) Royal Valley at (1-1) Nemaha Central
Royal Valley was the talk of the town last week as they defeated Holton 35-0 to snap a 30-game losing streak against the Wildcats. Royal Valley scored a touchdown on all five possessions with Manny Oliveria leading the way with over 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers rushed for over 300 yards with Cooper Stevens adding 79 yards and Alex Johnson adding 65 yards, both scoring touchdowns. Johnson also had 12 tackles in the defensive shutout as the Panthers allowed only 125 yards of offense for the game.
Nemaha Central dropped their first game of the season last week with a 21-14 loss in overtime at Sabetha. It snapped a nine-game winning streak against the Bluejays. The Thunder missed a 30-yard field goal as time expired which sent the game to overtime. In the loss, Cole Ranieri threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Nemaha Central is 5-0 against Royal Valley in five meetings dating back to 2021. Last seasons 48-27 final was the closest margin of victory for the Thunder during that stretch.
Brandon’s Pick: Royal Valley
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Kraxner’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jake’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Boz’s Pick: Nemaha Central
(2-0) Sabetha at (0-2) Hiawatha – Sabetha & Hiawatha Channels
After trailing 14-7 to Nemaha Central last week, the Bluejays rallied to get the win in overtime 21-14 to snap a nine-game losing streak to the Thunder. Micah Lang rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns while going 2-for-2 passing for 34 yards. Lang also had the game sealing sack in overtime when NC had fourth-and-goal from the five.
Hiawatha hung tough early last week, but an unraveling second quarter doomed the Redhawks in a 44-8 loss at Perry-Lecompton. The Redhawks were down 16-8 early in the second quarter and would fumble the ball which led to a scoop-and-score by the Kaws, and it was all Perry the rest of the game. Grayston Gilbert scored the lone touchdown for Hiawatha and finished the game with 114 rushing yards.
Sabetha has won 10 straight games against Hiawatha including last season 15-0. The Redhawks have only been able to score 23 points in the last seven games against the Bluejays.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(1-1) Riley County at (1-1) Rossville
Riley County bounced back after their one-point loss in week one to Nemaha Central by blanking St. Marys last week 21-0. The Falcons rushed for 250 yards and averaged nearly seven yards per carry. Kadrick Woodard had 16 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns while Ryland Kreie added 17 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.
The War on 24 went the way of Silver Lake last week as the Dawgs dropped their first game of the season 42-27. Landen Lewis completed 17-of-26 passes for 215 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 134 rushing yards and another score. Lakin Gentry, Dalen Dick, and Cael Horgan all had a touchdown reception with Horgan leading the way with six receptions for 90 yards.
This will be the first meeting between Riley County and Rossville since 2023. That season they played twice with the Falcons, winning both games 26-20 in the regular season and 28-7 in the playoffs. Rossville last beat Riley County in 2022 and that final score was 36-15.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Riley County
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Riley County
(2-0) Jefferson West at (2-0) Silver Lake – Silver Lake Channel
Another impressive week for the Tigers of Jefferson West as they blanked Centralia last week 27-0. Brixton Schwinn completed 11-of-19 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jaxon Pollard rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown while Dalton Foster had one reception that went for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Silver Lake won the War on 24 last week over Rossville 42-27. The Eagles scored 29 points in the first half and outscored the Dawgs in the second half 13-6. Kip Kruger completed 19-of-24 passes for 207 yards with three touchdowns. Dom Monhollon rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Four different Eagles caught at least four passes. Mason VanVactor (5 rec 54 yds TD), Jett Ross (5 rec 36 yds), Owen Rottinghaus (4 rec 34 yds), and Braun Johnson (4 rec 48 yds TD).
What a time for this matchup to be the first all-time meeting between the two schools.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson West
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson West
Kraxner’s Pick: Silver Lake
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson West
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson West
(0-2) Holton at (1-1) Baldwin – 103.9 KNZA & Holton Channel
Holton has not only stumbled out of the gate 0-2, but they have been dominated by Sabetha and Royal
Valley by allowing 12 consecutive scoring drives to start the season against varsity offenses. Last week, the
Wildcats 30-year win streak against Royal Valley was snapped as the Panthers scored on all five
possessions in a 35-0 victory.
Holton mustered only 125 total yards of offense in week two, half of which came on their final drive of the
game before stalling in the redzone. Freshman Jerome Williams had 67 rushing yards and Jarret Abel
added 54, but Holton was held to less than three yards per carry and was 0-4 passing while allowing three
sacks and going 2-12 on third down.
Holton travels to Baldwin, whom they beat 54-12 last year in a week nine playoff game. The Bulldogs are 1-
1 this year and after a convincing week one win against Hiawatha, fell 27-21 last week to Ottawa. Baldwin
is led by third year starting quarterback Bryis Alford who is an elusive dual threat for second year Coach
Jeff Melcher. Baldwin is 0-5 against Holton since 2008
Brandon’s Pick: Baldwin
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Baldwin
Jake’s Pick: Baldwin
Boz’s Pick: Baldwin
Northeast Kansas League
(0-2) Valley Falls at (2-0) McLouth
The Valley Falls Dragons fell to 0-2 after losing 40-0 last week to Maur Hill-Mount Academy. The game was tied 0-0 at the half, but the Ravens would explode for 28 points in the 3rd quarter to break it open. The Dragons moved the ball effectively, but were unable to finish drives and get into the endzone. They will hit the road for the first time this year, traveling to McLouth.
The Bulldogs made a statement last week, winning 38-14 on the road against Jackson Heights. They improved to 2-0 on the season. This will be their home opener, after winning on the road the first two weeks. The Bulldogs return all 22 starters from last season, and it has shown the first two weeks of the season.
McLouth won this game 26-12 last season. The Bulldogs have won the last 7 meetings, Valley Falls last win was in 2010, 36-20.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(0-2) ACCHS at (0-2) Oskaloosa – 93.7 KAIR
Atchison County dropped their second straight game of the season with a 26-14 home loss last week to Pleasant Ridge. Cody Falk completed 16-of-19 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Ben Handke had six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown, Riley Kesinger had five receptions for 97 yards, and Jaxyn Bratton had four receptions for 32 yards. The only problem was the rushing attack, as the Rams defense held the Tigers to 20 carries for one yard.
The Bears had a tough go last week as they lost to Riverside 54-18. The Cyclones led the game 34-2 at halftime. Oskaloosa have been outscored 90-18 in their first two games this season.
Atchison County is 6-0 against Oskaloosa dating back to 2018. The Tigers have outscored the Bears in that stretch 279-46 which includes three shutouts.
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Kraxner’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Jake’s Pick: ACCHS
Boz’s Pick: ACCHS
(1-1) Jackson Heights at (0-2) Horton – Cobra Channel
Jackson Heights suffered their first setback of the season last week with a 38-14 loss against McLouth. It snapped a four-game winning streak for the Cobras over the Bulldogs. It was also the first win for McLouth against the Cobras since 2014.
Horton had their home opener last week and it was a 66-0 loss against Jefferson County North. The Chargers have now lost 12 straight games dating back to the end of 2024 season.
Jackson Heights is 15-4 against Horton dating back to 2004 which includes a current 10 game winning streak. Horton’s last win over Jackson Heights was back in 2014.
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
(1-1) Jefferson County North at (2-0) Pleasant Ridge
Jefferson County North bounced back in a big way last week after the week one loss to Riverside with a 66-0 victory at Horton. The Chargers scored 52 points in the first half en route to victory.
Big win for Pleasant Ridge last week as they stay unbeaten with a 26-14 win at Atchison County. It was the first win for P-Ridge over ACCHS since 2019 as the win snapped a three-game losing streak to the Tigers.
Pleasant Ridge is 13-9 against JCN dating back 2004, but the Chargers have won four straight including last season 50-12. The Rams’ last win over the Chargers was 24-22 back in 2021.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Kraxner’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson County North
(2-0) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (2-0) Riverside
Maur Hill waited until the second half last week to do their damage as they beat up on Valley Falls 40-0. The game was scoreless at halftime, but the Ravens poured it on with all 40 in the second half. The Ravens have outscored their first two opponents this season 84-6.
Riverside was dominant last week as they defeated Oskaloosa 54-18. The Cyclones led 34-2 at halftime. Riverside is 6-5 against Maur Hill dating back to 2011. The Cyclones have won the last two meetings 44-0 last season and 21-14 in 2024. The Ravens last win over the Cyclones was 24-21 back in 2021.
Brandon’s Pick: Riverside
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
(2-0) Cair Paravel at (2-0) Troy
Cair Paravel beat Stanton County last week 60-14. Chase Hastert rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Cole Haubold rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Jonas Everhart rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns and Matteo Gossard rushed for 60 yards and a score.
Troy rallied from 12-0 down at the end of the first quarter to beat Bishop LeBlond last week 36-26. Kaston Jasper completed 22-of-34 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Colt Jensen had seven receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Jensen also added a 50-yard punt return touchdown. Lane Hartman had seven receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
This will be the first all-time meeting between Cair Paravel and Troy.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Cair Paravel
Boz’s Pick: Troy
Meadowlark Conference
(1-1) Atchison at (0-2) Highland Park
Atchison picked up their first win of the season last week against Wyandotte 34-24. It was the 18 th straight
victory for the Phoenix over Wyandotte.
Highland Park has struggled to start the season. The Scots lost in week one to Topeka High 33-6 and
followed that last week with a 56-0 loss against KC Washington.
Atchison is 4-1 against Highland Park dating back to 2021, but the Scots won the game last season 42-18.
Atchison’s last win over Highland Park was 62-21 back in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kraxner’s Pick: Atchison
Jake’s Pick: Atchison
Boz’s Pick: Atchison
