Friday Night Fever: Week 6 w/ Previews & Predictions

2026 Picks

Brandon

Last week: 17-2
Overall: 80-18
2025 Record: 123-33

Justin

Last week: 16-3
Overall: 78-19
2025 Record: 132-22

Kraxner

Last week: 14-5
Overall: 82-15

Jake

Last week: 16-4
Overall: 76-24
2025 Record: 117-27

Boz

Last week: 16-4
Overall: 80-19
2025 Record: 123-21

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

103.9 KNZA – Centralia at Riverside
92.1 KMZA & Cobra Channel – Jackson Heights at Onaga
93.7 KAIR – ACCHS at Maur Hill-Mount Academy
580 WIBW – Cair Paravel at Lyndon
Holton Channel – Holton at Nemaha Central
Sabetha Channel – Sabetha at Pleasant Ridge
Hiawatha Channel – Hiawatha at Jefferson West
Silver Lake Channel – Silver Lake at Maranatha

Week 6

8-Man District Games

(3-2) Washington County at (0-5) Herington (8M-I D4)

The Washington County Tigers have rolled the last three weeks, winning by scores of 56-8, 54-6 and 62-20. They are 1-0 in district play, looking to compete for a district title with Clifton-Clyde, who play at home next week. This week, they hit the road to try and beat a winless Herington squad.

The Herington Railers are 0-5 this season and got beaten 48-0 last week by Canton-Galva. They also lost two weeks ago to Clifton-Clyde 48-0 in a district game. Herington has scored just 62 points in total in 5 games, with 56 of them coming in two games. They have lost 6 straight games going back to last year, where they played 11-Man.

These two teams last played in 2021, with Washington County winning 66-44. This will be the second all-time meeting between the two teams.

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

(3-2) Canton-Galva at (4-1) Clifton-Clyde (8M-I D4)

Canton-Galva is off to a 2-0 start in district play, defeating Solomon and Herington in back-to-back weeks, 48-6 and 48-0. The Eagles’ two losses were Little River and Blue Valley-Randolph.

Clifton-Clyde is rolling, winning 4 of their first 5, with the lone loss being to Axtell. The Eagles picked up a huge non-district win last week on the road against a good Chase County team, 44-12. The Eagles have a favorable close to the season with their game against Washington County next week being their toughest competition.

This will be the first meeting between these schools since 2021, when Canton-Galva won 66-20. Clifton-Clyde last won in 2011, 56-8. The Eagles are 2-1 all-time against Canton-Galva.

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

(2-3) Blue Valley-Randolph at (3-2) Frankfort (8M-II D4 & TVL)

Blue Valley-Randolph has dropped back-to-back district games to Axtell, 60-12 and Linn 58-46. Both of those games were at home for the Rams. They were down 28-12 at half last week, and 44-26 after three quarters against Linn. This is a Rams team that can score the ball a lot, but the defense has allowed tons of points this season as well.

Frankfort went on the road last week and was blown out by the defending state champion Hanover Wildcats. Frankfort was unable to find any kind of sustained success. They play a huge district game against Blue Valley-Randolph this week, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention.

Frankfort won this game 52-6 last season. Frankfort has won the last 12 meetings. The last time Blue Valley-Randolph won this game was 2013, 54-6.

Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Kraxner’s Pick: Frankfort
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort

(5-0) Hanover at (4-1) Troy (8M-II D4)

Hanover rolled last week against Frankfort, for their 18th straight win, dating back to last season for the defending champs. The Wildcats were up 24-6 after the first quarter and 46-6 at the half. Cooper Bruna ran for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kadrick Cohorst completed just 5 passes, but 3 of them went for TDs. The Wildcats have allowed just 26 points in their first 5 games this season.

Troy suffered their first loss last week at Axtell, 62-14. The game was a lot closer and more competitive than the score would indicate. The Trojans were very close to converting into a lot of explosive plays. They wrap up a tough three game stretch to open district play, by returning home to take on the Hanover Wildcats. In the loss, last week Kaston Jasper threw for over 220 yards, throwing and rushing for a score.

This will be the first meeting since 1979 between these two teams, when Hanover won 36-6.

Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover

(5-0) Axtell at (2-2) Linn (8M-II D4 & TVL)

Axtell ran the ball very effectively last week in their statement win over previously unbeaten Troy, 62-14. The Eagles ran for 317 yards, with quarterback Wyatt Detweiler rushing for 111 yards and 2 scores, a passing TD and a pick six. Joe Lybarger had a receiving touchdown and two rushing scores. Clayton Heinen had two rushing scores as well.

Linn picked up a huge road league and district win last week against Blue Valley-Randolph, 58-46. The Bulldogs return home to take on Axtell, in home game number 4 of 5 this season.

Axtell won this game 52-6 last season. Axtell has won the last 11 meetings. Linn last won in 2005, 42-24.

Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell

1A District Games

(1-4) Mission Valley at (0-5) St. Marys (1A D2)

Mission Valley lost their third straight game last week against Whitewater-Remington 42-6. Since their lone win against West Franklin in week two, the Vikings have scored less than seven points in each of the last three games while allowing more than 40 points in those three games as well. They are led by quarterback Jake Mills who’s completing 45% of his passes this season for 452 yards and six touchdowns.

St. Marys are still looking for win number one this season, as last week they dropped to 0-5 with a 35-7 loss at Nemaha Central. In the two games prior to NC last week, the Bears lost to Perry-Lecompton and Sabetha by a combined five points.

This is the first meeting between St. Marys and Mission Valley since 2023 with the Bears winning that matchup 45-6. St. Marys has won four straight against Mission Valley with the Vikings last win over St. Marys coming in 2018.

Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys
Justin’s Pick: St. Marys
Kraxner’s Pick: St. Marys
Jake’s Pick: St. Marys
Boz’s Pick: St. Marys

(2-3) Wabaunsee at (3-2) Rossville (1A D2)

For the second time in three weeks, Wabaunsee dropped a close game to a local squad. In week three, they lost in overtime to Onaga 14-8, and last week they traveled to Jackson Heights and lost to the Cobras 18-14. Sandwiched in between there was a 24-8 win against Atchison County.

Rossville starting to heat up as they won their second straight game last week at Royal Valley 47-20. The Dawgs scored 27 points in the second quarter and led the Panthers 33-0 at halftime. Quarterback Landon Lewis accounted for six total touchdowns and more than 300 total yards.

Since 2004, Rossville has won 17 straight games against Wabaunsee including last season 49-6.

Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville

(0-5) Doniphan West at (4-1) Jefferson County North (1A D3)

Doniphan West returned home last week, after three straight road games, but was defeated by Maur Hill-Mount Academy 48-6. The Mustangs did score for the first time in three weeks. They hit the road this week for a tough district battle against the Jefferson County North Chargers.

Jefferson County North picked up a non-district, league win over Oskaloosa last week, 28-6. In the win, Merrick Noll ran 26 times for 224 yards and 3 TDs for the Chargers, he also had an interception on defense. The Chargers have been rolling since their week one loss to Riverside. In their 4 wins, they have outscored their opponents, 158-20.

The last time these two met, the Chargers won 54-8 in 2017. The Chargers have won the last 3 meetings, with Doniphan West last winning in 2014, 57-8.

Brandon’s Pick: JCN
Justin’s Pick: JCN
Kraxner’s Pick: JCN
Jake’s Pick: JCN
Boz’s Pick: JCN

(0-5) ACCHS at (3-2) Maur Hill-Mount Academy (1A D3 & NEKL) – KAIR 93.7

Atchison County fell to 0-5 last week with a 38-20 loss at McLouth. The Tigers once again were in it with an opportunity to win, but a 22-20 deficit in the final few minutes turned into an 18-point win for McLouth. Quarterback Cody Falk completed 7-of-10 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown to Ben Handke. Handke finished with two catches for 70 yards and that score.

Maur Hill snapped their brief two-game losing skid last week with a 48-6 win over Doniphan West. That was after being outscored 99-14 in their previous two games in losses against JCN and Riverside.

This is the first meeting between the Tigers and Ravens since 2023 with ACCHS winning that matchup 44-6. The Tigers have won three straight against the Ravens. MH-MA’s last win over ACCHS was 53-6 back in 2020. Since 2006, ACCHS is 11-7 against Maur Hill.

Brandon’s Pick: MH-MA
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Kraxner’s Pick: MH-MA
Jake’s Pick: ACCHS
Boz’s Pick: MH-MA

(3-2) Jackson Heights at (4-1) Onaga (1A D4) – 92.1 KMZA & Cobra Channel

Jackson Heights picked up a crucial non-district win last week at home against Wabaunsee, 18-14. The Cobras scored all 18 of their points in the third quarter, after the game was scoreless at halftime. Kolby Bowhay threw for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win.

Onaga kept on rolling, defeating the Valley Falls Dragons, 42-13 last week. The Buffaloes led 21-6 after the first quarter and 35-6 at halftime, as they moved to 4-1 on the season and 1-0 in district play. Onaga has won three straight after dropping a close one to Whitewater-Remington 14-12 on the road. This is the fourth straight home game for the Buffaloes, as they start and end the season with two straight road games. They are 4-1 under first year head coach David Hill, eclipsing their 3-win season last year. The last time Onaga won 4+ games in a season was in 2021 in 8-Man.

Jackson Heights leads the all-time series 18-17. The last time these two played was last year when the Cobras won 55-0. Jackson Heights has won the last 5 meetings, with Onaga winning in 2014, 28-24.

Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Onaga
Boz’s Pick: Jackson Heights

(3-2) Valley Heights at (0-5) Valley Falls (1A D4)

Valley Heights got blown out last week on the road against Centralia, 47-7. It snapped a three-game winning streak for the Mustangs. This week, they will look to regroup, as they are back on the road for a key district game against Valley Falls.

The Dragons fell to 0-5 after losing 42-13 on the road against Onaga. They continue to move in the right direction with the rebuild and first year coach Ryan Noel. Chandler Martens ran for 164 yards and two touchdowns last week.

This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2015, when Valley Heights won 34-30. The Mustangs have won the last three meetings, with the Dragons winning in 2012, 28-26.

Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Kraxner’s Pick: Valley Heights
Jake’s Pick: Valley Heights
Boz’s Pick: Valley Heights

2A District Games

(0-5) West Franklin at (1-4) Oskaloosa (2A D3)

West Franklin continues to have a tough go in 2026. Last week they dropped to 0-5 with a 77-6 loss at Silver Lake. They trailed Silver Lake 42-0 after the first quarter and 65-0 at halftime. In five games this season, West Franklin have been outscored 288-22.

Oskaloosa have now dropped back-to-back games since their lone against Atchison County. Last week, the Tigers lost at Jefferson County North 28-6.

This is the first meeting between West Franklin and Oskaloosa since 2019 with the Bears winning that matchup 38-16. Prior to that, West Franklin won three straight meetings in 2004, 2005, and 2018.

Brandon’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Justin’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Kraxner’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Jake’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Boz’s Pick: Oskaloosa

(5-0) Silver Lake at (0-5) Maranatha (2A D3) – Silver Lake Channel

Silver Lake dominated West Franklin last week 77-6 to stay undefeated. They scored 42 points in the first quarter and led 65-0 at halftime. They scored three touchdowns in the first quarter before their defense was on the field. Overall, they only finished that game with 152 rushing yards and 71 passing yards.

Maranatha was blanked last week at Osage City 64-0 as they’re still in search of their first win of the season. Maranatha’s offense has not scored a point since week two and have been outscored 158-0 in their last three games.

This is the first all-time meeting between Silver Lake and Maranatha.

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

(0-6) Horton at (4-2) Royal Valley (2A D4) – Forfeit victory for Royal Valley**

Horton’s struggles this season continued last week with a 48-0 loss at home against Pleasant Ridge. The Chargers have only scored six points over their last two games and have been outscored 255-34 this season.

Royal Valley got down big early, and the deficit was too much to overcome as they lost a non-district game against Rossville last week 47-20. They allowed 27 points in the second quarter and trailed 33-0 at halftime. Manny Oliveria led the Panthers in that game with 18 carries 146 yards and a touchdown. Sam Hickman led the defense with 14 total tackles and one tackle for loss.

Royal Valley is 4-0 all-time against Horton with this being the first matchup between the two teams since 2001.

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

(5-0) Sabetha at (3-2) Pleasant Ridge (2A D4) – Sabetha Channel

The top ranked team in 2A, Sabetha, took care of business last week against Riverside 28-21 to stay undefeated this season. The Bluejays got a 74-yard touchdown pass from Micah Lang to Jack Frazee while Lincoln Menold and Curtis Fitzgerald each rushed for more than 80 yards and a score.

Pleasant Ridge snapped a brief two-game skid last week with a 48-0 win at Horton. The win put the Rams to 1-1 in district play and currently sit in fourth place in the standings ahead of only Horton.

This will be just the second all-time meeting between Sabetha and Pleasant Ridge. The two teams faced off in the playoffs back in 1988 with Sabetha winning that matchup 28-7.

Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha

(4-1) Riley County at (3-2) Marysville (2A D5)

Riley County continues to roll along, defeating Minneapolis 42-0 last week. The Falcons have won 4 straight contests, since a season opening loss to Nemaha Central 7-6. The Falcons hit the road this week for a massive district game against Marysville.

The Marysville Bulldogs are 3-2 on the season, with wins over Clay Center, Concordia and Southeast of Saline. Their two losses were against very good teams in Chapman and Council Grove. This is a big district game for both teams as they jockey for a top two finish in the district.

The last time these two matched up was in 2021, with Riley County winning 25-13. The Falcons have won the last two meetings, with Marysville last winning in 2017, 26-21.

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) Hayden (3A D3)

Perry-Lecompton got the benefit of a forfeit victory last week in district play over Bishop Ward so this matchup at Hayden will be their first game in two weeks. The only two losses for the Kaws this season have come against Baldwin and Rossville, two teams who could make quality runs come postseason time. In four games, quarterback AJ Campbell has thrown for 624 yards and four touchdowns while adding 217 rushing yards and three more scores.

Hayden picked up their first win of the season last week against Baldwin 31-21. They lost back-to-back road games at Eudora and Tonganoxie and followed that with back-to-back losses on the road to St. Pius X (MO) and St. Marys South Side (MO). It’s the first time since 2016 that Hayden has started a season 1-4. Worth noting in that 2016 season, Hayden would win seven straight from week six on and would ultimately lose in the state title game to Pratt 48-14.

Hayden beat Perry-Lecompton last season 48-7. In 2024, the two teams played twice with Hayden winning both games. 50-16 in the regular season and then they would follow that with a 56-6 win over the Kaws in the playoffs.

Brandon’s Pick: Hayden
Justin’s Pick: Hayden
Kraxner’s Pick: Hayden
Jake’s Pick: Hayden
Boz’s Pick: Hayden

(0-5) Hiawatha at (4-1) Jefferson West (3A D4 & Big East) – Hiawatha Channel

Hiawatha played their most competitive game of the season last week but ultimately lost at home to Atchison in district play 28-16. The Redhawks were much more competitive in the second half as they were down 28-6 at the intermission. Jhett Keller continues to make strides at quarterback while the Redhawks are also having to navigate some key injuries.

Jefferson West quarterback Brixton Schwinn put on a show last week in their 48-14 district win at Holton. Schwinn threw for more than 380 yards and tallied seven touchdowns, and with that, earned MSC Athlete of the week. Parker Jensen had three receiving touchdowns while Brody Schwinn and Brady Skahan both returned from injury and made an immediate impact.

Since 2005, Jefferson West is 15-7 against Hiawatha. The Tigers won the matchup last season 12-7 while the Redhawks last beat the Tigers in 2024 by a final score of 21-0.

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

(1-4) Holton at (2-3) Nemaha Central (3A D4 & Big East) – Holton Channel

Holton continues to struggle on defense allowing over 36 points per game this season. The Wildcats had an early lead and almost went up two scores on Jeff West but were stopped inside the five-yard-line and then never stopped a Tiger drive all night and fell 48-14 in a district Big East battle.

Holton continues to be plagued by a lot of injuries and is still averaging more than 300 rush yards per game despite playing without two key running backs. Remaining is freshman Jermone Williams leads the team with 7 touchdowns and has 560 rushing yards for the season.   

Nemaha Central snapped their three game losing streak last week with a non-district Big East League victory over St. Marys 35-7. Thunder quarterback Cole Ranieri threw for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 54 yards and two more scores. It was the first time since the consolidation that Nemaha Central suffered three straight losses.

First meeting between Nemaha Central and Holton since 2023. The Thunder have won two straight including the most recent 31-6. Holton’s last win over NC was 25-24 in 2021.

Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jake’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Boz’s Pick: Nemaha Central

Non-District Games

(3-2) Centralia at (4-1) Riverside – 103.9 KNZA

Centralia is getting going at the right time, as they won their third straight game last week against Valley Heights 47-7 which moved the Panthers to 2-0 in district play. Centralia is averaging over 270 rushing yards per game with quarterback Quentin Alderfer leading the way with 714 yards and 11 touchdowns. Alderfer has also added 244 passing yards and four more scores.

Riverside suffered their first loss of the season in district play lats week at Sabetha 28-21. The Cyclones got down 14-0 in the first eight minutes but made the game tight down the stretch. Kobe Koehler threw for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns. Brooks Griffin and Keagan Hughes each had a touchdown reception while Charles Hewins rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown. Hewins has 1,004 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his first five career games.

These two teams split last season. The Panthers won late in the regular season for the district title 14-7 with Riverside responding a few weeks later in the playoffs with a 41-26 win at Centralia which was their first win at Centralia since the early 70’s.

Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Riverside

(4-1) Olpe at (5-0) McLouth

Olpe, the perennial power, is off to another great start. The Eagles, under the direction of 20th year head coach Chris Schmidt, have won 4 straight after a season opening loss to Osage City. They have racked up an impressive win over St. Marys Colgan two weeks ago 29-0. They have pitched shut outs the last two weeks.

This game will be a great measuring stick on how legit the McLouth Bulldogs are this season. So far, they have crushed anyone in their path, with their closest game being last week against ACCHS, 38-20. The Bulldogs are big, physical and athletic with tons of experience.

The last time these two matched up was in 2013, with Olpe winning 35-28. Olpe also won 13-12 in 2012. This will be the third all-time meeting between the two.

Brandon’s Pick: Olpe
Justin’s Pick: Olpe
Kraxner’s Pick: Olpe
Jake’s Pick: Olpe
Boz’s Pick: McLouth

(2-3) Atchison at (2-3) Schlagle (Meadowlark Conference)

Atchison picked up a key district win last week at Hiawatha 28-16. The win for the Phoenix snapped a brief two-game skid as they had lost in back-to-back games prior against Holton and Highland Park.

The Stallions of KC Schlagle dropped their second straight game last week at Sumner Academy 39-0. Their two wins this season were KC East (MO) and KC Northeast (MO) in weeks two and three.

Atchison is 9-6 against Schlagle since 2010 having won five straight in the series. Atchison won the meeting last season 13-0 while the Stallions last beat Atchison in 2019 by a final score of 33-24.

Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kraxner’s Pick: Atchison
Jake’s Pick: Schlagle
Boz’s Pick: Schlagle