Friday Night Fever: Week 7 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 17-4
Overall: 97-22
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 16-5
Overall: 94-24
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 18-3
Overall: 100-18
Jake
Last week: 17-5
Overall: 93-29
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 19-3
Overall: 99-22
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA & Sabetha Channel – Royal Valley at Sabetha
92.1 KMZA – Hanover at Axtell
93.7 KAIR – JCN at Atchison County
580 WIBW – Junction City at Washburn Rural
Holton & Silver Lake Channels – Silver Lake at Holton
Hiawatha Channel – Nemaha Central at Hiawatha
Cobra Channel – Centralia at Jackson Heights
Week 7
8-Man District Games
(5-1) Clifton-Clyde at (4-2) Washington County (8M-I D4 & TVL)
Clifton-Clyde picked up another big win last week, dominating Canton-Galva to the tune of a 58-12 win. The Eagles have won 5 of their first 6, with the lone loss being to Axtell in week two. This is the best start to a season since 2022. Clifton-Clyde is 2-1 in league play and 2-0 in district play. This is a huge road game at Washington County.
Washington County has ripped off four straight victories, all in dominating fashion, with their closest game in the stretch being 62-20. The Tigers’ only two losses were to Frankfort and Hanover at the beginning of the season. First year coach Jake Pannbacker has the Tigers rolling. They are 0-2 in league play, but 2-0 in district. This game is arguably for the district title. 4 wins is the most in a season for the Tigers since 2022, when they went 5-4.
Clifton-Clyde won this game last year, 38-22. Clifton-Clyde has won the last 7 meetings, Washington County last won in 2003, 48-7.
Brandon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Kraxner’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Jake’s Pick: Washington County
Boz’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
(4-2) Troy at (3-3) Blue Valley-Randolph (8M-II D4)
Troy finally ended the daunting stretch of Frankfort, Axtell and Hanover to open district play, maybe the toughest three game stretch out of anyone in the whole state, no matter the classification. The Trojans went 1-2 in the stretch, defeating Frankfort. They finish the season against Linn and Blue Valley-Randolph, both of whom are also 1-2 in district play. The next two weeks are playoff games for Troy.
Blue Valley-Randolph pulled off an incredible comeback last week at Frankfort, overcoming a 20-point deficit heading into the final quarter to win 48-46. At the time, both of those teams were 0-2 in district play, so that was essentially a playoff game for both squads.
Both teams can really score the ball; it should be a fun one on Friday night. Per the Kansas Football History website, this is the first all-time meeting between the two teams.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
(3-3) Frankfort at (2-3) Linn (8M-II D4 & TVL)
Frankfort dropped a key home game last week to Blue Valley-Randolph and now really find themselves behind the 8 ball for getting to the playoffs. They for sure need to win at Linn this week, but more than likely need to beat Axtell next week as well. Kyler Parthemer was fantastic in the loss last week, tallying 5 touchdowns, over 220 yards, 15 tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Linn fell at home to Axtell last week, they are 1-2 in districts, tied for the 3rd spot with Blue Valley-Randolph, who they already beat and Troy who they play in week 8 on the road. They need to win this game to keep with the pack, as the Rams and Trojans play each other this week.
Frankfort has won the last 9 meetings, including the last one in 2024, 40-14. Linn last won in 2010, 38-16.
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Kraxner’s Pick: Linn
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort
(6-0) Hanover at (6-0) Axtell (8M-II D4 & TVL) – 92.1 KMZA
Hanover went on the road last week and rolled over Troy in half a game, 52-6. The Wildcats picked off Kaston Jasper three times in the win. The defending state champs have won 19 in a row and are allowing just 5 PPG defensively this season, with 3 shutouts.
Axtell destroyed Linn on the road last week, 64-14. Wyatt Detweiler was awesome again, running for 5 TDs, a kick return TD and a couple passing TDs as well. This game will be for the league and district title and is set to be another awesome chapter in this rivalry.
Hanover beat Axtell twice last season, 26-18 and 34-24. Before that, Axtell had won 5 straight. These two teams have combined to win the last 6 state titles in 8-Man D2.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
1A District Games
(1-5) St. Marys at (2-4) Wabaunsee (1A D2)
St. Marys finally got on the board with their first win of the season last week against Mission Valley, winning 48-6 to begin district play 1-0. The Bears rushed for 408 yards against Mission Valley led by Mason Mayhew who finished with 10 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Jace Hurla added three carries for 85 yards and two scores. Quarterback Parker Heim completed 5-of-6 passes to five different receivers for 100 yards and a touchdown toss to Landon DeVader.
Wabaunsee had a rough go of it last week against Rossville losing 49-0. The Chargers have dropped four of their last five games since their season opening win against West Franklin.
This is the first meeting between St. Marys and Wabaunsee since 2015. Between 2004 and 2015 these two teams played 13 times with St. Marys winning all 13 by an average score of 35-6.
Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys
Justin’s Pick: St. Marys
Kraxner’s Pick: St. Marys
Jake’s Pick: St. Marys
Boz’s Pick: Wabaunsee
(4-2) Rossville at (1-5) Mission Valley (1A D2)
Rossville continued their strong play last week defeating Wabaunsee 49-0 for their third straight win. Landon Lewis rushed for 145 yards and four touchdowns while completing 12-of-17 passes for 179 yards and another score. Cale Horak had five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown while Kelton Lacock added five receptions for 76 yards. The Bulldawgs are the No. 4 ranked team in Class 1A according to K-Preps.
Mission Valley suffered their fourth straight loss last week losing at St. Marys 48-6. The Vikings have been outscored 181-19 during the four-game skid. The offense has struggled averaging under 100 passing and rushing yards per game this season.
Rossville beat Mission Valley twice last season. In the regular season 55-6, and in the first round of the playoffs 71-0. Since 2004, Rossville is 16-1 against Mission Valley with seven straight wins. Mission Valley’s lone win in that stretch was 33-27 in 2017.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville
(4-2) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (6-0) McLouth (1A D3 & NEKL)
Maur Hill-Mount Academy picked up a huge district win last week over ACCHS 10-0 on homecoming. The Ravens led 3-0 at the half and got a rushing touchdown in the third quarter to finish out the scoring. The Ravens have won 4 games for the first time since 2024, under first year coach Jose Licon. The 4-2 start is their best since 2020.
McLouth proved that they are a legit player last week, knocking off perennial power Olpe 28-21 in an awesome back and forth contest. Peyton Wyatt ran for 199 yards on 17 carries; he was also a force on defense at the linebacker spot. The Bulldogs are still in the running for league and district title, with a big week 8 matchup at JCN. This is the best 6 game start to the season for McLouth since 2011.
This is the first meeting between these two schools since 2023, when McLouth won 52-12. Maur Hill last won in 2022 via forfeit. The last time they beat the Bulldogs in a non-forfeit was 2020, 47-12.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(5-1) Jefferson County North at (0-6) ACCHS (1A D3 & NEKL) – KAIR 93.7
Jefferson County North won their fifth straight game last week defeating Doniphan West 48-6. Merrick Noll had 15 carries for 169 yards and three touchdowns while Knox Heston added 11 carries for 122 yards and two scores. During this five game winning streak, the Chargers are scoring 41 points per game while allowing only five points per game.
Another game where Atchison County is competitive but comes up on the short end of it. Last week it was on the road at Maur Hill-Mount Academy as they lost 10-0. They trailed 3-0 at halftime as the Ravens scored the lone touchdown of the game in the third quarter.
Jefferson County North won the last meeting between the two teams in 2023 by a final score of 36-0. ACCHS beat the Chargers in 2022 by a final score of 14-6.
Brandon’s Pick: JCN
Justin’s Pick: JCN
Kraxner’s Pick: JCN
Jake’s Pick: JCN
Boz’s Pick: JCN
(5-1) Onaga at (4-2) Valley Heights (1A D4 & TVL)
Onaga picked up a huge win last week in district play at home against Jackson Heights. The Buffaloes got a 1-yard rushing TD from Ryder Kolterman with less than 30 seconds to secure a crucial win. Kolterman and Luke Poell ran for over 100 yards. The Buffaloes stopped the Cobras on a couple key 4th and short situations.
Valley Heights held on to win a close one against Valley Falls last week on the road 16-14. The Mustangs are now 2-1 in district play, behind Onaga and Centralia, who are both 2-0. This is their last district game and it’s a big one.
Valley Heights won this game 28-8 last season. They have won the last 5 in the series. Onaga last won in 2014, 13-12. Onaga leads the all-time series 24-19.
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Onaga
Kraxner’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Onaga
Boz’s Pick: Onaga
(3-3) Centralia at (3-3) Jackson Heights (1A D4) – Cobra Channel
Centralia got crushed on the road last week to Riverside 41-0. The Panthers couldn’t stop Charles Hewins and turned the ball over 5 times on offense. That was a non-district contest. The Panthers are 3-0 this season against 1A competition, but 0-3 against bigger classes. They hit the road for a huge district clash with Jackson Heights this week. Centralia is still 2-0 in districts and controls their own destiny to win it.
Jackson Heights suffered another close district loss last week at Onaga. The Cobras were stopped on their own 28-yard line on 4th and 2 with 2 minutes to go in regulation. The Buffs would score and go on to win the game. Kolby Bowhay ran for 78 yards and a TD in the loss. The Cobras are 0-2 in districts, but get Centralia and Valley Falls at home to close the season and try and get into the playoffs.
These two last met in 2023, with Centralia winning 48-12. The Panthers have won the last 6 meetings, with Jackson Heights winning last in 2016, 22-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kraxner’s Pick: Centralia
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Centralia
2A District Games
(2-4) Oskaloosa at (5-1) Osage City (2A D3)
Oskaloosa snapped a brief two-game skid last week with a 62-32 home win against West Franklin to get to 1-1 in district play. It was a good sign for the Bears offense as they scored a total of 72 points in the first five games.
Osage City has been dominating their opponents across their current four-game winning streak. They extended that streak last week with a 43-13 win at Clearwater in a non-district game. Osage City averages nearly 255 rushing yards per game. Leading the way is quarterback Reed Silver with 622 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s added 505 passing yards with eight more touchdowns and only one interception.
This is the first meeting between Oskaloosa and Osage City since 2019. Osage City is 5-1 against the Bears over their last six including the matchup in 2019 by a final score of 23-14. The Bears last win against Osage City was 54-18 back in 2014.
Brandon’s Pick: Osage City
Justin’s Pick: Osage City
Kraxner’s Pick: Osage City
Jake’s Pick: Osage City
Boz’s Pick: Osage City
(3-3) Pleasant Ridge at (5-1) Riverside (2A D4 & NEKL)
Pleasant Ridge followed their big win against Horton a couple of weeks ago with a loss last week against Sabetha 51-7. The Rams three wins this season are against teams with a combined record of 0-18. The Rams’ three losses this season are against teams with a combined record of 15-3.
Riverside more than certainly got back on track last week dominating Centralia at home in a non-district game 41-0. Freshman running back Charles Hewins, who set the school’s single-game rushing record with 334 yards in Riverside’s Week one win over JCN, broke his own record for the second time this season against the Panthers. He finished with 20 carries for 348 yards and five touchdowns.
This will be just the third all-time meeting between Pleasant Ridge and Riverside. The Cyclones defeated Pleasant Ridge 42-7 in 2019 while the Rams beat Riverside 24-18 in 2018.
Brandon’s Pick: Riverside
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
(4-2) Royal Valley at (6-0) Sabetha (2A D4 & Big East) – 103.9 KNZA & Sabetha Channel
Royal Valley took a forfeit win last week against Horton to improve to 4-2 on the season and 2-0 in district play. The forfeit win also gave the Panthers 21 points, and in the district standings, put them at the top heading into this week. The Panthers are averaging 323 rushing yards per game with Manny Oliveira leading the way with 967 yards and 14 touchdowns.
2A top ranked Sabetha stayed unbeaten with their win last week at Pleasant Ridge 51-7. The Bluejays are averaging 266 rushing yards per game, scoring nearly 40 points per game, while holding the opposition to 13 points per game. Fun fact this season; the Bluejays have allowed only 26 total points in the first half and have allowed zero points in the third quarter. Nearly 62% of their points allowed were in the fourth quarter.
Sabetha has won nine straight against the Panthers and are 15-5 over the last 20 meetings since 2005. Last season, Sabetha beat Royal Valley 16-0. They played twice in 2024 with those finals being 7-6 and 16-14 (1st round of playoffs). Royal Valley’s last win over Sabetha was 20-12 in 2015.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Royal Valley
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(4-2) Southeast of Saline at (4-2) Riley County (2A D5)
Southeast of Saline put forth a battle last week against No. 3 ranked Council Grove but came up short 14-8 to keep Council Grove undefeated on the season. Quarterback Tiernan Ptacek has thrown for 1,040 yards with 10 touchdowns this season while leading the team in rushing with 499 yards and eight more scores. Remember, SES went 13-0 in 2024 and beat Nemaha Central in the state championship game. Last season, they went 12-1 and lost to Nemaha Central in the state championship game.
Riley County abruptly had their four-game winning streak last week as they lost at former NCKL foe Marysville 28-0. The Falcons offense had no match for the Marysville defense, finishing the game with 175 yards of offense. 120 of that was on the ground as they could only muster three yards per carry.
This is first meeting between Southeast of Saline and Riley County since 2019. That season, they played twice. Riley County won both games 33-29 in the regular season and 14-8 when they met a few weeks later in the playoffs.
Brandon’s Pick: Southeast of Saline
Justin’s Pick: Southeast of Saline
Kraxner’s Pick: Riley County
Jake’s Pick: Riley County
Boz’s Pick: Southeast of Saline
3A District Games
(5-1) Jefferson West at (3-3) Atchison (3A D4)
A performance for the ages last week for Jefferson West sophomore quarterback Brixton Schwinn. In their 69-0 win against Hiawatha, Brixton set the 11-man passing touchdowns record in a single game with nine. A record that stood for 51 years! He had seven the previous week and has 25 through six games this season. In his 17 career high school games, Brixton has 57 touchdown passes compared to just 15 interceptions.
Atchison won their second straight game last week beating KC Schlagle on the road 30-26. The Phoenix defense allowed 382 yards of offense to Schlagle including 242 yards on the ground. The Phoenix have now won six straight games against Schlagle.
This is the first meeting between Atchison and Jefferson West since 2009. Jefferson West won that game 33-7. Atchison last beat Jefferson West 35-14 in 2008.
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
(3-3) Nemaha Central at (0-6) Hiawatha (3A D4 & Big East) – Hiawatha Channel
Nemaha Central picking up some steam with their second straight win last week, defeating Holton at home 43-0. The Thunder rushed for 309 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry against Holton. Sullivan Haverkamp rushed for 99 yards and two scores, Dason Hill added 82 yards and a score, Kendal Bergman had 69 yards and a score, and Cole Ranieri added 54 yards.
Hiawatha is still searching for win number one in 2026 as they lost at Jefferson West last week 69-0. The Redhawks are allowing 50 points per game this season while only being able to score seven points per game.
This is the first meeting between Hiawatha and Nemaha Central since 2019. The Thunder have won seven straight and nine of the last 10 against the Redhawks. Since 2004, Nemaha Central is 13-4 against Hiawatha.
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
Non-District Games
(1-5) Republic County at (0-6) Doniphan West
Republic County lost last week 42-12 to TMP. The Buffaloes have lost 4 in a row, with their lone win being against Minneapolis in week 2. They are yet to score more than 26 points in a single game this season. Valley Heights beat them 14-12 earlier this season.
Doniphan West got beaten by Jefferson County North last week, 48-6. The Mustangs are having a rough go of it; they lost the last two weeks 48-6. Their closest game this season was week one, when they lost to Onaga 24-20, which also matches their season high in points scored.
This is the first all-time meeting between the two schools.
Brandon’s Pick: Republic County
Justin’s Pick: Republic County
Kraxner’s Pick: Republic County
Jake’s Pick: Doniphan West
Boz’s Pick: Republic County
(0-6) Horton at (0-6) Valley Falls (NEKL)
Horton did not play last week due to low numbers, forfeiting against Royal Valley. On the season, the Chargers have struggled to be competitive. Their closest contest was against Jackson Heights, 42-22. 22 points was their highest scoring output. The lowest they’ve held a team to defensively was 42.
Valley Falls continues to improve every week under first year head coach Ryan Noel, as they continue to battle low numbers. Last week, they almost beat Valley Heights, dropping the game 16-14, however. It was the Dragons’ closest game this season and their most complete one as well.
Valley Falls won this game last year 6-0, the last win for the Dragons in general, as they have lost 14 straight games. Horton won in 2024, 38-8. Horton has lost 16 straight, dating back to 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Falls
Justin’s Pick: Valley Falls
Kraxner’s Pick: Valley Falls
Jake’s Pick: Valley Falls
Boz’s Pick: Valley Falls
(6-0) Silver Lake at (1-5) Holton (Big East) – Silver Lake & Holton Channels
Holton fell to 1-5 suffering their second shutout of the year with a 43-0 district loss at Nemaha Central. The Wildcats failed to pick up a first down on eight drives and barely finished with more than 100 yards. They also had six false start penalties and fumbled the ball away three times. To Holton’s defense, they had 11 varsity guys in street clothes that have started at least one game this season as they continue to try and piece together some success. After playing four of the last five games on the road, Holton gets their final two games at home, but this non-district showdown with Silver Lake might be their toughest test of 2026.
Silver Lake is the number 2 ranked team in Class 2A entering this week according to K-Preps. Last week, they went to Maranatha and won 89-0. The Eagles have scored 166 points over their last two games. Silver Lake and Holton are squaring off for the first time since 2015. Silver Lake won that matchup 23-22.
Brandon’s Pick: Silver Lake
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Silver Lake
Jake’s Pick: Silver Lake
Boz’s Pick: Silver Lake
(4-2) Rock Creek at (3-3) Perry-Lecompton
Rock Creek won their third straight game last week defeating Paola at home 31-14. The Mustangs beat Centralia in the season opener 14-0 before back-to-back losses against Chapman and Wamego. They have followed that with wins against Abilene, Tonganoxie, and Paola.
Perry-Lecompton suffered their second loss in district play as last week they lost at Hayden 42-13. In the loss, quarterback AJ Campbell threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns. The Kaws have lost the last four games against Hayden by a combined score of 196-42.
This will be the second all-time meeting between Perry-Lecompton and Rock Creek. Perry-Lecompton defeated the Mustangs 35-22 in the first round of the playoffs back in 2020.
Brandon’s Pick: Rock Creek
Justin’s Pick: Rock Creek
Kraxner’s Pick: Rock Creek
Jake’s Pick: Rock Creek
Boz’s Pick: Rock Creek
