Friday Night Fever: Week 5 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 17-2
Overall: 63-16
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 18-1
Overall: 62-16
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 17-2
Overall: 68-10
Jake
Last week: 16-4
Overall: 62-20
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 19-1
Overall: 64-18
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA & Sabetha Channel – Riverside at Sabetha
92.1 KMZA - Troy at Axtell
93.7 KAIR – Oskaloosa at Jefferson County North
580 WIBW – Hayden vs. Baldwin
Holton Channel – Jefferson West at Holton
Cobra Channel – Wabaunsee at Jackson Heights
Silver Lake Channel – West Franklin at Silver Lake
Hiawatha Channel – Atchison at Hiawatha
Week 5
8-Man District Games
(1-2) Linn at (2-2) Blue Valley-Randolph (8M-II D4 – TVL)
Last week, the Linn Bulldogs were playing the defending state champs, the Hanover Wildcats and things didn’t go well, as Hanover won 48-0, for their 17th straight victory overall and their 17th straight win against Linn. Linn has lost back-to-back weeks now. Linn hits the road for the first time this week after three straight home games.
The Blue Valley-Randolph Rams played the number two team in 8-Man D2 last week, the Axtell Eagles and were defeated 60-12. Axtell led 32-0 after one quarter, the Rams allowed Wyatt Detweiler to score 7 TDs on the night. 12 points is the lowest scoring output of the season for the Rams through 4 games.
Linn won this game, 64-14 last season. The Rams won in 2024, 54-28.
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Kraxner’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Jake’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
Boz’s Pick: Blue Valley-Randolph
(3-1) Frankfort at (4-0) Hanover (8M-II D4 – TVL)
Frankfort battled last week in a hotly contested game against Troy at home. The Wildcats trailed 20-18 at the halftime intermission, and then returned the opening kick of the 3rd quarter to take a 24-20 lead, but the Trojans scored 20 unanswered and never looked back. In the loss, Colten Caffrey threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, running for a score as well. Henry Ketter ran for 69 yards and a score, as well as the kick return TD.
Hanover rolled over Linn, 48-0 last week to improve to 4-0. They have won 17 straight games in general as the defending state champions and 17 straight against Linn. They have allowed just 20 points all season, and have pitched 3 straight shutouts.
Hanover won this contest 50-0 last season. Frankfort last beat Hanover in 2023, 38-12.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(4-0) Troy at (4-0) Axtell (8M-II D4) – 92.1 KMZA
The Troy Trojans went on the road to open district play and defeated a perennial contender in Frankfort, 46-32. The Trojans got 267 passing yards and 3 touchdowns from Kaston Jasper in the win. Colt Jensen had over 170 total yards and a touchdown. Riley Grable had a pair of interceptions for the Trojans as well, including a pick six. This is game two of a tough stretch for Troy, as they get Hanover at home next week as well.
The Axtell Eagles did what the Axtell Eagles typically do, crushing Blue Valley-Randolph last week 60-12. Wyatt Detweiler had 7 total touchdowns on the night, as the Eagles were up 32-0 after one quarter. Joe Lybarger had six catches for 94 yards and a score. This should be a really exciting football game.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1981, when Axtell won 19-8 in 11-man. Per Kansas Football History, Axtell is 2-0 all time versus Troy with the other win coming in 1940.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
(3-1) Solomon at (2-2) Washington County (8M-I D4)
The Solomon Gorillas are off to a 3-1 start on the season, after only winning 3 games all of last season. The Gorillas have defeated teams with a combined record of 3-9. They were blasted by Canton-Galva last week, 48-6. The Gorillas have thrown 80 passes and ran the ball 110 times this season. Breken Coup is 47-80 passing the ball for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns, with 2 interceptions.
Washington County won their second straight game, destroying Mankato-Rock Hills, 54-6 last Friday. Washington County is about to play their first district game, and feel like they can compete with Clifton-Clyde among the top of this district.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams since 2009, with Washington County winning that one 46-14. Solomon did beat them in 2008, 44-32.
Brandon’s Pick: Solomon
Justin’s Pick: Solomon
Kraxner’s Pick: Washington County
Jake’s Pick: Solomon
Boz’s Pick: Solomon
1A District Games
(2-2) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (0-4) Doniphan West (1A D3 – NL)
Back-to-back tough weeks for the Maur Hill-Mount Academy Ravens, losing 49-0 to Riverside and then 50-14 last week to JCN, both of those games being at home. This week, they hit the road for a crucial district game against Doniphan West.
The Mustangs had a rough go last week, losing on the road to McLouth 68-0. The Mustangs have been shut out three straight weeks now. After playing all three of those games on the road, against quality competition, Doniphan West will hope to regain some momentum on their home turf.
Doniphan West won this matchup, 12-7 last season. Maur Hill won the meeting in 2024, 19-14.
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
(4-0) McLouth at (0-4) ACCHS (1A D3 – NEKL)
McLouth rolled in week three to a 68-0 win over Doniphan West. The Bulldogs have posted three shutouts so far this season and have outscored their opponents 186-14. This is the first time since 2011 that the Bulldogs have started a season 4-0, and that season they would go on to finish 7-2.
The Atchison County Tigers dropped to 0-4 last week with a 24-8 loss at Wabaunsee. The Chargers rushed for over 170 yards and averaged nearly five yards per carry. This is the first time since 2017 that ACCHS has started a season 0-4, and that season they would go on to finish 0-9.
This will be the sixth matchup between McLouth and ACCHS since 2015. Atchison County is 4-1 in the previous five meetings. The Tigers won last season 40-20 while the Bulldogs’ lone win in that stretch was 32-12 in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(3-1) Valley Heights at (2-2) Centralia (1A D4 – TVL)
Valley Heights pulled out a thrilling win last week to open district play, defeating Jackson Heights 15-14 within the last minute of regulation. The Mustangs have responded well after getting beat 40-11 week one against Sacred Heart. They have won 3 straight, allowing just 26 points in the last 14 quarters. They travel to Centralia for a huge league and district contest.
The Centralia Panthers have dominated the last two weeks, after taking tough, close losses to open the season. The Panthers are 2-0 against fellow Class 1A opponents on the season. They made the long trip up to Valley Falls last week and beat the Dragons 56-12. Quentin Alderfer had 7 total touchdowns in the first half alone.
Centralia won this meeting last year in the season opener, 28-14. The Panthers have won the last 10 meetings, with Valley Heights last winning in 2016, 51-36. Although, the last 4 matchups have been very close games.
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kraxner’s Pick: Centralia
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Centralia
(0-4) Valley Falls at (3-1) Onaga (1A D4 – NL)
The Valley Falls Dragons got beat last week to open district play by the Centralia Panthers, 56-12. However, they did finally score some points, as Coach Noel and the Dragons continue to try and rebuild and move in the right direction, which they seem to be doing. They do travel to Onaga this Friday, for another critical district game.
The Onaga Buffaloes are rolling, winning a non-district game last week over Mission Valley, 43-0. The Buffaloes won just three games all of last season and have already matched that through 4 games. Coach David Hill and his guys play hard and as a cohesive unit.
Onaga is 17-3 all-time against the Dragons. They won this game 32-6 last season and have beat the Dragons the last 4 times they’ve met.
Brandon’s Pick: Onaga
Justin’s Pick: Onaga
Kraxner’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Onaga
Boz’s Pick: Onaga
2A District Games
(0-4) West Franklin at (4-0) Silver Lake (2A D3 – NL) – Silver Lake Channel
It has been a rough go for West Franklin so far this season, as the Falcons dropped to 0-4 last week with a 57-0 loss against Osage City. West Franklin have been shutout in each of their last two games, have scored over 10 points just once, and have been outscored 211-16 so far this season.
The complete opposite scenario for Silver Lake as they remained unbeaten last week with a 61-14 romp over Oskaloosa. They scored 47 points in the first half and put up nearly 400 yards of offense. Kip Kruger completed 14 of 22 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, 13 different players had at least one reception last week for the Eagles.
This will be the fifth all-time meeting between Silver Lake and West Franklin. The Eagles are 4-0 against the Falcons with the last meeting being 62-0 back in 2019.
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
(2-2) Pleasant Ridge at (0-4) Horton (2A D4 – NEKL)
After starting the season 2-0, the Rams suffered their second straight loss last week against Royal Valley 47-8. It’s the first time since 2023 that the Rams have started a season with at least two wins in their first four games.
Horton continues to struggle in 2026 as they dropped to 0-4 last week with a 55-6 loss at Riverside. The Cyclones led 55-0 at halftime en route to victory. The Chargers have been outscored 207-34 this season and have lost 13 straight games dating back to the end of 2024.
Pleasant Ridge is 8-3 against Horton dating back to 2004. The Rams have won three straight including last season 41-22 in the week nine non-playoff game. The Chargers’ last win over Pleasant Ridge was 18-0 back in 2017.
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
(4-0) Riverside at (4-0) Sabetha (2A D4 – NL) – 103.9 KNZA & Sabetha Channel
Riverside posted their third straight blowout win, as last week they beat Horton at home 55-6. The Cyclones offense is averaging 49.8 points per game while the defense is allowing just 13 points per game. Freshman running back Charles Hewins has rushed for 928 yards and 15 touchdowns on nearly 15 yards per carry. Quarterback Kobe Koehler has completed 70% of his passes for 573 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception. Keagan Hughes has eight receptions for 131 yards and five touchdowns.
It was simply survive and advance for the Bluejays last week as Sabetha grinded out a 21-18 win over St. Marys at home to stay unbeaten. Quarterback Micah Lang has completed 69% of his passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns while adding 345 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Lincoln Menold has rushed for 377 yards and two touchdowns on nearly nine yards per carry, and Jack Frazee has five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.
First meeting between Riverside and Sabetha since 2023 which Sabetha won 60-3. Sabetha is 12-0 all-time against Riverside with all the matchups happening between 2012-2023.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
(0-4) Minneapolis at (3-1) Riley County (2A D5 – NL)
The Minneapolis Lions are still looking for their first win of 2026 as they lost last week against Council Grove 69-6. They have scored just 26 points in their first four games, and they have allowed 123 points in their last two games.
Riley County won their non-district, Big East League game at Hiawatha last week 50-7. The Falcons have won three straight games and are one or two plays away from being undefeated. Quarterback Kadrick Woodard is leading the way with 404 yards passing with two touchdowns while also being the team’s leading rusher with 352 yards and three more scores.
This is the first meeting between the Lions and Falcons since 2023. The Falcons won that game 41-34. Minneapolis last beat Riley County in 2022 by a final score of 21-6.
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
3A District Games
(3-2) Perry-Lecompton at (1-4) Bishop Ward (3A D3 – NL)
Perry-Lecompton earns forfeit win over Bishop Ward.
(3-1) Jefferson West at (1-3) Holton (3A D4 – Big East) – Holton Channel
Holton was impressive in their district opener winning their first game of the season 51-16 at Atchison. The Wildcats built a 37-8 halftime lead and outgained the Phoenix 391 to 6 total yards. Jarret Abel and Jerome Williams both had big rushing nights with more than 130 yards, and the Holton defense picked off three passes. The big surprise was Holton completing 4 of 5 passes for 94 yards in the air and a touchdown.
Holton had seven varsity players in street clothes last week and hopes to get healthier the next couple weeks of district and play with some confidence for their homecoming game against Jeff West.
Jefferson West improved to 3-1 with a home win over Nemaha Central. Jakob Devlin returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown to break a scoreless tie while quarterback Brixton Schwinn accounted for one passing and one rushing touchdown.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson West
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Jefferson West
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson West
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson West
(1-3) Atchison at (0-4) Hiawatha (3A D4 – NL) – Hiawatha Channel
Atchison had their fair share of issues last week with the Holton rushing attack, as the Wildcats defeated the Phoenix in the district opener 51-16. The Wildcats rushed for over 450 yards and averaged nearly eight yards per carry. Atchison’s defense so far this season is allowing more than 43 points per game.
Second straight week for Hiawatha allowing at least 50 points and scoring only seven points. Week three the Redhawks lost against Sabetha 56-7, and last week they lost at home against Riley County 50-7. Hiawatha has been outscored this season 204-28.
This is the first meeting between Hiawatha and Atchison since 2011. Hiawatha won that game 26-14. Atchison defeated Hiawatha 48-28 in 2010.
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kraxner’s Pick: Hiawatha
Jake’s Pick: Atchison
Boz’s Pick: Atchison
Non-District Games
(3-1) Clifton-Clyde at (3-1) Chase County (NL)
Clifton-Clyde is off to a great start, winning 3 of 4, with the one loss coming to Axtell. Last week, the Eagles dominated Herington 48-0 on the road to open district play. The Eagles offense has been high-flying all year. They wrap up a stretch of three straight road games this week, as they play Chase County in a non-district game.
Chase County bounced back from being defeated by Axtell, by beating Lyndon 30-12 last week. The Bulldogs defense has been really stingy outside of the game against Axtell. Both of these teams are 3-0 this season against teams not being Axtell. Something will have to give on Friday.
Per Kansas Football History, this is the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
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
(1-3) Oskaloosa at (3-1) Jefferson County North (NEKL) – 93.7 KAIR
Oskaloosa couldn’t build off their week three win against Atchison County as they lost last week against Silver Lake 61-14. Through the first four games, the Bears are averaging 16.5 points per game while the defense allows 44 points per game.
Jefferson County North won their third straight game last week with a 50-14 win at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Quarterback Brody Van Dyke was named MSC Athlete of the week with over 200 yards of offense and five total touchdowns while adding an interception on defense.
Jefferson County North is 14-8 against Oskaloosa dating back to 2004. JCN has won 10 straight games including last season 38-0. The Bears last defeated JCN in 2015 by a final score of 22-18.
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
(2-2) Wabaunsee at (2-2) Jackson Heights (NL) – Cobra Channel
Wabaunsee snapped a brief two-game skid last week with a 24-8 win over ACCHS. The previous week they lost to Onaga in overtime 14-8. They also have a win over West Franklin in week one and a loss against Olpe in week two. Wabaunsee have been balanced on offense this season averaging 128 passing yards and 117 rushing yards per game.
Jackson Heights lost a heartbreaker last week against Valley Heights 15-14. The Mustangs scored a touchdown on 4th-and-short in the final minute and added a two-point conversion to finish off the Cobras. Much of the Jackson Heights offense has come on the ground as they’re averaging over 240 rushing yards per game.
This is the first meeting between Jackson Heights and Wabaunsee since 2021. Wabaunsee won that game 22-8. Jackson Heights beat Wabaunsee 33-21 in 2020. In the last nine meetings, Jackson Heights is 5-4 against Wabaunsee.
Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Kraxner’s Pick: Wabaunsee
Jake’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Boz’s Pick: Jackson Heights
(2-2) Rossville at (3-1) Royal Valley (Big East)
Rossville snapped their brief two-game skid last week with a 43-7 home win over Reno County Homeschool. Quarterback Landen Lewis completed 9 of 10 passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 63 rushing yards and another score. Cael Horgan had five carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Cale Horak had two catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
Royal Valley won their third straight game last week defeating Pleasant Ridge 47-8. It’s the first time Royal Valley has won three straight games since 2015. That season they won six straight games and finished 6-3.
This is the first meeting between Royal Valley and Rossville since 1983. Rossville is 5-0 all-time against Royal Valley.
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
(0-4) St. Marys at (1-3) Nemaha Central (Big East)
St. Marys had plenty of opportunities to spring the upset last week at Sabetha, but ultimately the Bears would fall short against the Bluejays 21-18. St. Marys missed on three different two-point conversions. The Bears have lost their last two games by a combined five points as their first four opponents have a combined record of 13-3.
Nemaha Central dropped their third straight game last week with a 20-7 loss at Jefferson West. Game was scoreless at halftime, but the Tigers were able to pull away for the win. The lone touchdown in the game for NC was on an 8-yard run in the third quarter. Cole Ranieri rushed for 104 yards on 25 carries. This is the first time since the consolidation with B&B in 2014 that the Thunder have lost three straight games.
This will be the sixth all-time meeting between St. Marys and Nemaha Central. The Thunder are 4-1 against the Bears. St. Marys won the last meeting in 2021 by a final score of 30-12. NC’s last win over St. Marys was 41-8 in 2020.
Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Kraxner’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jake’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Boz’s Pick: Nemaha Central
