Friday Night Fever: Week 4 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 15-7
Overall: 46-14
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 13-8
Overall: 44-15
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 18-3
Overall: 51-8
Jake
Last week: 12-10
Overall: 46-16
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 15-7
Overall: 45-17
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA – Nemaha Central at Jefferson West
92.1 KMZA – Troy at Frankfort
93.7 KAIR – Jefferson County North at Maur Hill-Mount Academy
580 WIBW – Washburn Rural at Topeka High
Holton Channel – Holton at Atchison
Sabetha Channel – St. Marys at Sabetha
Hiawatha Channel – Riley County at Hiawatha
Cobra Channel – Jackson Heights at Valley Heights
Silver Lake Channel – Silver Lake at Oskaloosa
Week 4
8-Man District Games
(2-1) Clifton-Clyde at (0-3) Herington (8M-1 D4)
The Clifton-Clyde Eagles bounced back in a big way last Friday, defeating league opponent Linn on the road 56-32. It was a good bounce back for the Eagles after losing to Axtell, 56-0 the week before. Clifton-Clyde has high expectations in 8Man Division 1, district 4, and will be a tough out in the playoffs as well.
The Herington Railers lost to Bennington 58-36 last week. The Railers have 749 total yards of offense through the first three weeks, that’s almost 250 yards per week. Three different players have thrown a pass for Herington this season. Going back to 2024, they are just 1-20.
The last time these two teams played was 2017, when Clifton-Clyde won 52-0. Clifton-Clyde is 2-0 all time vs Herington.
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
(3-0) Troy at (3-0) Frankfort (8M-2 D4) – 92.1 KMZA
Last Friday was a historic one for the Troy Trojans, as they picked up their first ever mercy rule victory in 8-Man, defeating previously 2-0 Cair Paravel 54-8. Troy jumped out to an 18-0 lead, before opening the flood gates. The Trojans forced 3 fumbles defensively. Kaston Jasper put up video game numbers, passing 13 of 16 for 324 yards and SIX touchdowns in one half of football. Colt Jensen had 7 receptions for 167 yards and 3 touchdown receptions.
Frankfort played a Saturday afternoon game last week against Stanton County, defeating them 52-6 for their first mercy rule win of the season. It was a dominant performance for the Wildcats, setting up a huge battle of 3-0 teams on Friday to open district play against Troy. Henry Ketter and Peyton Adams have been great so far for Frankfort.
This will be the first time these two teams meet on the gridiron, since 2007 in 11-Man, when Troy won 47-7. Frankfort last beat Troy in football in 2003, 24-3.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
(3-0) Hanover at (1-1) Linn (8M-2 D4 - TVL)
The Hanover Wildcats kept rolling last week, defeating Ell-Saline 52-0. It’s now a 16-game winning streak for the defending state champions in 8-Man DII. They are also still the #1 ranked team in the K-Preps poll. Hanover scored 36 points in the second quarter alone. Kadrick Cohorst threw a pair of early touchdown passes and then added two rushing scores. Cooper Bruna added two rushing and two receiving touchdowns.
Linn dropped a home league game last week, against Clifton-Clyde, 56-32. They will look to bounce back this week, with their third straight home game against Hanover. The two programs are in the small school district and are roughly 30 minutes apart.
Hanover beat Linn twice last season, 52-12 and 50-0. Hanover has won the last 16 meetings. The last time Linn beat Hanover in football was 2005, 48-42.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(3-0) Axtell at (2-1) Blue Valley-Randolph (8M-2 D4 - TVL)
The Axtell Eagles dominated Chase County last week, 54-6. The Eagles scored 32 first quarter points. Wyatt Detweiler had another big day for Axtell with seven of nine passing for 111 yards and two scores. Joe Lybarger had four carries for 63 yards and two TDs. Axtell has scored 184 points through three games, an average of 61.3 ppg so far.
The Blue Valley-Randolph Rams are an upstart team so far this season. They beat Lakeside-Downs 58-30 last week, to improve to 2-1, under first year head coach, Riley Perrine. The Rams jumped out to a 22-0 lead after the first quarter and were up 28-16 at the half. They won just two games all last season. The Rams’ only loss came to a good Clifton-Clyde team week one. On the season, the Rams have scored 154 points on the season, an average of 51.3 ppg so far.
Axtell won this matchup, 54-8 last season. Axtell has won the last 13 games between these two schools. The last time Blue Valley-Randolph beat Axtell was 2011, 36-22.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
1A District Games
(0-3) Doniphan West at (3-0) McLouth (1A D3)
It was a tough week last week for the Doniphan West Mustangs, as they were beaten 49-0 at Centralia. Doniphan West was just unable to get anything going offensively. Samuel Merrill led the way for Doniphan West with 14 carries and 46 yards. The Mustangs have been shut out the last two weeks.
McLouth stayed hot last week, defeating Valley Falls 44-0. It was the second shutout victory of the year for the physical and experienced Bulldogs. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-0 lead, and then 38-0 halftime lead over the Dragons. After winning just three games all last season, the Bulldogs will be a team to keep an eye on in 1A this season.
The last time these two teams played was 2017, with Doniphan West winning 14-8. McLouth last beat Doniphan West in 2013, 28-6.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(2-1) Jefferson County North at (2-1) Maur Hill-Mount Academy (1A D3 – NEKL) – KAIR 93.7
Jefferson County North posted their second straight shutout win last week over Pleasant Ridge 14-0. The Chargers broke a scoreless tie in the third quarter, when quarterback Brody Van Dyke ran for a 41 yard touchdown. Van Dyke later threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Merrick Noll. Merrick also finished the game with 92 yards rushing.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy suffered their first loss of the season last week at Riverside 49-0. Game was close early, but the Ravens allowed 33 points to the Cyclones in the second quarter and trailed 47-0 at halftime.
The Chargers and Ravens have matched up six times since 2010. JCN won the matchup last season 40-0 and the Ravens won 22-20 in the matchup in 2024. In those six games since 2010, JCN holds the 4-2 edge.
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
(2-1) Jackson Heights at (2-1) Valley Heights (1A D4) – Cobra Channel
Jackson Heights improved to 2-1 last week defeating Horton on the road, 42-22. The Cobras got a huge game from sophomore running back Tatum Eisenbarth, who carried the ball 16 times for 257 yards and 5 touchdowns. On the season, Eisenbarth has 45 carries for 493 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.
Valley Heights got their quarterback, sophomore Ben Miller back last week, and he made some big plays down the stretch to allow the Mustangs to pick up a road win over Republic County 14-12. The Mustang’s defense has allowed just 12 points over the last 10 quarters of action.
The last time these two teams played was 2021, with the Cobras winning 48-12. Valley Heights won in 2020, 56-15.
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
(1-2) Centralia at (0-3) Valley Falls (1A D4)
Centralia got a huge bounce back win last week, dominating Doniphan West, in a 49-0 victory. The Panthers ran just 18 total plays in the first half, seven of them resulting in touchdowns. Degan Ronnebaum had 5 carries for 81 yards and 3 touchdowns all in the first half. Quentin Alderfer had 8 carries for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns, all in the first half. He was also 1-1 passing for 31 yards.
Valley Falls had another tough go last week, losing on the road against McLouth, 44-0. The Dragons are still yet to score this season. They are playing short-handed this season with only 15-17 guys out for the team.
The last time these two teams played was 2003, when Centralia won 44-14. The Panthers have won the last 6 meetings. The last time Valley Falls beat Centralia was 1990, 19-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kraxner’s Pick: Centralia
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Centralia
2A District Games
(3-0) Silver Lake at (1-2) Oskaloosa (2A D3) – Silver Lake Channel
Silver Lake is slowly making the argument that they are the best team in Class 2A. Last week, the Eagles fell behind Jefferson West 14-0 but put together a furious rally and would go on to beat the Tigers 55-21. Kipton Kruger threw for 364 yards and 5 touchdowns. Through three games, Kruger has completed 63% of his passes for 736 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
Oskaloosa snagged their first win of the season last week at home over Atchison County 34-25. The win for the Bears snapped a nine game losing streak dating back to last season.
This is the first meeting between Silver Lake and Oskaloosa since 2021 in which the Eagles won 52-0. They played 11 times between 2004 and 2021 with Silver Lake winning all 11 meetings. Eight of those games were shutouts.
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
(2-1) Royal Valley at (2-1) Pleasant Ridge (2A D4)
Royal Valley has maybe put together the most impressive 2-0 stretch in the David Boucher era in what is now year six. After snapping a 30-game losing streak against Holton in week two, the Panthers followed that with a rare victory against Nemaha Central 36-34. The Panthers are averaging 321 rushing yards per game with Manny Oliveira leading the way with 183 yards per game and a team-leading eight touchdowns.
The Rams suffered their first setback of the season last week with a 14-0 loss at home against Jefferson County North. Game was scoreless at halftime, but the Rams couldn’t get anything going against the JCN defense.
This will be the eighth all-time meeting between the two schools and the first since 1982. Royal Valley won that meeting 6-0. Series is tied 4-4 with the Panthers riding a 4-game winning streak.
Brandon’s Pick: Royal Valley
Justin’s Pick: Royal Valley
Kraxner’s Pick: Royal Valley
Jake’s Pick: Royal Valley
Boz’s Pick: Royal Valley
(0-3) Horton at (3-0) Riverside (2A D4 – NEKL)
Horton had their best offensive performance of the season last week against Jackson Heights, but it wasn’t enough as the Chargers lost to the Cobras 42-22. Horton has now lost 13 straight games dating back to the end of the 2024 season.
Riverside continued its strong start to the season last week with a 49-0 romp over Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Riverside scored 33 points in the second quarter and led the Ravens 47-0 at halftime. Cyclones have outscored their opponents so far this season 144-46.
Riverside has won five straight games against Horton including last season 51-0. The Cyclones have outscored Horton in the last four meetings 169-0. The Chargers’ last victory over the Cyclones was 14-8 back in 2014.
Brandon’s Pick: Riverside
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
3A District Games
(2-1) Baldwin at (2-1) Perry-Lecompton (3A D3)
Baldwin’s two victories this season have come against local squads. The Bulldogs beat Hiawatha in week one 54-6 and last week they beat Holton 34-15. The loss sandwiched between was against Ottawa 27-21. Baldwin has been a balanced offense through three games averaging 230 rushing yards and 123 passing yards per game.
Last season, the Kaws went 2-7. This season, it has taken Perry just three games to match that win total. They won their second straight game last week over St. Marys 24-22. Through three games, quarterback AJ Campbell has thrown for 483 yards and four touchdowns while Tanner Wheat leads the ground attack with 237 yards and three touchdowns.
This is the first meeting between Perry-Lecompton and Baldwin since 2021 with the Kaws winning that matchup 40-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Baldwin
Justin’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Kraxner’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Jake’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Boz’s Pick: Baldwin
(0-3) Holton at (1-2) Atchison (3A D4) – Holton Channel
Despite falling to 0-3, Holton made some strides at Baldwin in a 34-15 loss. The Wildcats ran 72 plays on offense and had 355 yards, including a 15-play, 80-yard drive to pull within 14-7 with one minute left before halftime. However, Baldwin scored quick and never looked back and the Cats struggles continued on defense and giving up short fields. Freshman Jerome Williams had 186 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries while Jarret Abel finished with 133 yards on 28 carries.
Holton is 0-3 for the first time since 2016 and heading into district play against Atchison, a team they haven’t faced since 2017. Atchison couldn’t build on a week two win as they fell at Highland Park 50-34 last week.
Through the first three games with a young roster, Atchison has been led by Quincey Crittendon, a freshman completing 22 of 44 passes for 415 yards with five TDs and only 1 INT. Senior, Jeremiah Thompson has totaled 13 receptions for 269 yards and 3 scores while adding 89 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Holton
Jake’s Pick: Atchison
Boz’s Pick: Holton
(1-2) Nemaha Central at (2-1) Jefferson West (3A D4 – Big East) – 103.9 KNZA
Uncharted territory in Seneca as Nemaha Central lost their second straight game last week against Royal Valley 36-34. The three games for NC this season against Riley County, Sabetha, and Royal Valley have been decided by a combined 10 points. Cole Ranieri has established himself as the Thunder quarterback with 276 yards passing and three touchdowns so far. Sullivan Haverkamp has led the rushing attack with 240 yards five yards per carry.
Jefferson West suffered their first loss of the season last week against Silver Lake 55-21. The Tigers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but the Eagles dominated the rest of the way. Sophomore quarterback Brixton Schwinn is averaging 228 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns to just three interceptions.
First matchup between the two teams since 2023. Nemaha Central has won six straight games against the Tigers with Jeff West’ last win in the series being 2013. Since 2004, Nemaha Central is 13-3 against Jefferson West.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson West
Kraxner’s Pick: Jefferson West
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson West
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson West
Non-District Games
(0-3) Rock Hills at (1-2) Washington County
Rock Hills fell to 0-3, after losing to Pike Valley 64-48 last week. The Grizzlies lost the first two weeks, 52-0 and 58-8. They like to run the football, and running back Wayson Colson has done a bulk of that, with 62 carries for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season.
Washington County went on the road last week and picked up their first win in the Jake Pannbacker era, over non-KSHSAA affiliated Manhattan Eagles 56-8. After two straight road games, the Tigers are back home. The Tigers feel that they can make some noise in their district and be a dangerous team, come playoff time.
Last year, Washington County won this game 68-16. In 2024, Rock Hills won 54-6. They have split the 4 all-time meetings.
Brandon’s Pick: Washington County
Justin’s Pick: Washington County
Kraxner’s Pick: Washington County
Jake’s Pick: Washington County
Boz’s Pick: Washington County
(1-2) Mission Valley at (2-1) Onaga
Mission Valley got blasted last week by perennial power Olpe, 48-7. Mission Valley did beat West Franklin 43-13 in week two. But lost week one to Council Grove 62-6. So, it would be hard to get a read on this Vikings team, with both of their losses being to two teams with high expectations this season. They ran a balanced offensive attack with quarterback Jake Mills being 29-58 for 365 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
The Onaga Buffaloes had to earn a win in their home opener last week, defeating Wabaunsee 14-8 in overtime. On the season, sophomore quarterback Ryder Kolterman has completed 58% of his passes for 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On the ground, he has 66 carries for 386 yards and 5 scores. Running back Luke Poell has 36 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns as well. The Buffaloes won just three games last season but look poised for a breakout season this fall.
Onaga is 7-3 all-time against Mission Valley. The last time these two teams met was in 2011, with Onaga winning 30-13. Mission Valley last beat Onaga in 1977, 36-16.
Brandon’s Pick: Onaga
Justin’s Pick: Onaga
Kraxner’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Mission Valley
Boz’s Pick: Onaga
(2-1) Reno County Homeschool at (1-2) Rossville
Crazy to think that Reno County homeschool has played both 8-man and 11-man contests in 2026. The only loss was in week one to Axtell 74-44 and last week they beat Hugoton 35-34. Sandwiched in between was a 30-28 win over South Central.
The 1A runner-up from last season dropped their second consecutive game last week against Riley County at home 20-15. Quarterback Landen Lewis has been the clear-cut number one option on offensive for the Dawgs with 559 yards passing and four touchdowns to go along with 360 yards rushing and seven more scores.
This will be the first all-time meeting between Reno County Homeschool and Rossville.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville
(0-3) ACCHS at (1-2) Wabaunsee
The Tigers are still searching for their first win of 2026 as they lost last week at Oskaloosa 34-25. Cody Falk has completed 64% of his passes so far this season for 352 yards and two touchdowns. Riley Kesinger has rushed for a team-high 143 yards while Ben Handke has been the leading receiver with 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Wabaunsee dropped their game last week at Onaga in overtime 20-14 for the second straight loss. Wabaunsee’s lone win was in the season opener against West Franklin 45-3, and they followed that with a 35-14 loss against Olpe. Through three games, Wabaunsee is averaging 143 passing yards and 98 rushing yards per game.
This will be the first all-time meeting between Wabaunsee and Atchison County.
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Kraxner’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Jake’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Boz’s Pick: Wabaunsee
(0-3) St. Marys at (3-0) Sabetha (Big East) – Sabetha Channel
St. Marys still searching for their first win of the season after falling to Perry-Lecompton at home last week 24-22. It was a step in the right direction for the Bears after being outscored 48-0 in their first two games against Silver Lake and Riley County. The Bears are averaging just 126 yards per game with a majority of that on the ground.
The top team in 2A continued their strong start last week with a 56-7 romp over Hiawatha on the road. It’s been steady on both sides of the ball as the Bluejays offense is averaging 42 points per game while the defense is allowing just 10 points per game.
This will be the third straight season that the Bears and Bluejays meet up. Sabetha won the matchup last season 28-6 while St. Marys won the matchup the previous season 24-3.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(2-1) Riley County at (0-3) Hiawatha (Big East) – Hiawatha Channel
Riley County picked up an impressive win last week over Rossville on the road 20-15. The Falcons led the Dawgs 7-3 going into the fourth quarter, and that’s when the action picked up in that game. Senior quarterback Kadrick Woodard has been leading the charge, completing nearly 50% of his passes for 204 yards and a touchdown while leading the team in rushing with 351 yards and three more scores.
Hiawatha’s early season struggles continued last week with a 56-7 home loss to Sabetha. The Redhawks have been outscored 154-21 so far this season.
This will be the second all-time meeting between Riley County and Hiawatha. The two teams met in the first round of the playoffs back in 2013 with Hiawatha winning that game 25-8.
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
