Friday Night Fever: Week 8 w/ Previews & Predictions
2026 Picks
Brandon
Last week: 16-3
Overall: 113-25
2025 Record: 123-33
Justin
Last week: 15-4
Overall: 109-28
2025 Record: 132-22
Kraxner
Last week: 15-4
Overall: 115-22
Jake
Last week: 16-4
Overall: 109-33
2025 Record: 117-27
Boz
Last week: 15-5
Overall: 114-27
2025 Record: 123-21
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
103.9 KNZA – Riverside at Royal Valley
92.1 KMZA – Onaga at Centralia
93.7 KAIR – McLouth at Jefferson County North
580 WIBW – Seaman vs. Piper
Hiawatha & Holton Channels – Hiawatha at Holton
Sabetha Channel – Sabetha at Horton
Cobra Channel – Valley Falls at Jackson Heights
Silver Lake Channel – Osage City at Silver Lake
Week 8
8-Man District Games
(4-3) Washington County at (3-4) Canton-Galva (8M-I D4)
Washington County lost a close one last week at home to Clifton-Clyde, 40-28. The Tigers were up early but were unable to capitalize on the momentum and put themselves in the driver’s seat of the district.
Barring a slip up, it looks like Clifton-Clyde is winning this district, which means this game is to decide who finishes second and gets to host a first round playoff game. The loss last week snapped Washington County’s 4 game winning streak. Canton-Galva played a non-district game last week against Bennington on the road and lost 37-32.
Bennington went into that game just 1-5 on the season. Canton-Galva lost to Clifton-Clyde two weeks ago 58-12. These two teams last met in 2021, with Canton-Galva winning 50-0. Canton-Galva is 2-0 against Washington County all time.
Brandon’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Justin’s Pick: Washington County
Kraxner’s Pick: Washington County
Jake’s Pick: Canton-Galva
Boz’s Pick: Washington County
(4-3) Solomon at (6-1) Clifton-Clyde (8M-I D4)
Solomon blasted Herington last week 62-14, snapping a 3-game losing streak. That game was to determine who would make the playoffs or finish 5th in the district. The Gorillas lost to Washington County 62-20 and to Canton-Galva 48-6, two teams Clifton-Clyde have beaten.
The Clifton-Clyde Eagles kept rolling last week, defeating Washington County on the road 40-28 to secure a district championship. The only game the Eagles have dropped this season was Axtell in week two, 56-0. They have impressive wins over Chase County, Linn and Blue Valley-Randolph as well.
Clifton-Clyde is 5-4 all-time versus Solomon, with the Eagles winning the last matchup in 2024, 45-0. Solomon last won this matchup back in 2003, 34-14.
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
(2-4) Linn at (5-2) Troy (8M-II D4 & TVL)
Linn dropped a huge home game last week to Frankfort, 58-56. If the Bulldogs were able to win, they would’ve almost guaranteed themselves a playoff game. Now that is completely up in the air, depending on what happens this Friday night. They hit the road for just the second time this season, facing a good Troy team.
Troy bounced back after two straight losses to Axtell and Hanover, crushing Blue Valley-Randolph on the road in a huge district contest. Kaston Jasper threw for nearly 300 yards and 6 TD passes in a game that ended in the third quarter. In the 46-0 win, Troy was the first team to shut out the high powered Rams offense. While Troy secured a playoff berth last week, this game is still huge for seeding purposes.
This is the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kraxner’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
(3-4) Blue Valley-Randolph at (6-1) Hanover (8M-II D4 & TVL)
Blue Valley-Randolph suffered a huge home loss to Troy last week. In the 46-0 loss the Rams were shutout for the first time this season, which is surprising, considering the high volume of points they’ve scored every week so far this season. The Rams still have a chance to make the playoffs but probably need some help to get there.
The defending state champs, the Hanover Wildcats, concluded a 19-game winning streak last week at Axtell, in a 28-8 defeat. The Wildcats scored on the first drive of the game but would not score again. They were stopped on 3 4th and short situations. Kadrick Cohorst ran for 166 yards and a TD in the loss.
Hanover won this matchup 48-0 last season. They have won the last 17 meetings. The last time the Rams won was in 2005, 32-20.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kraxner’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Hanover
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(7-0) Axtell at (3-4) Frankfort (8M-II D4 & TVL)
Axtell exercised their demons, extracting revenge from Hanover, by defeating their rivals, 28-8, last week. The Wildcats ended the Eagles 58-game winning streak and quest for a 5-peat last season. In the win, Wyatt Detweiler had over 100 rushing yards, 2 TDs and a TD pass. Joe Lybarger had a receiving and passing TD, while also hauling in an interception. The Eagles have won 40-straight home games. They also have won 70+ straight games against teams not named Hanover.
Frankfort picked up a massive win last week against Linn, on the road, 58-56. It kept the Wildcats’ slim playoff chances alive, as they, Linn and Blue Valley-Randolph all fight for the 4th and final spot in this tough district. In the win last week, Henry Ketter had 19 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns, he also had 6 receptions for 104 yards and 4 TDs. He had 16 tackles on defense.
Axtell beat Frankfort twice last season, 46-14 and 60-14. The Eagles have eliminated the Wildcats in the playoffs, each of the last 3 seasons. Axtell has won 8 in a row, the last time Frankfort won this game was 2020, 36-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kraxner’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
1A District Games
(5-2) Rossville at (2-5) St. Marys (1A D2 & Big East)
Rossville dominated Mission Valley last week 60-6 for their fourth straight win. For that, the Bulldogs bumped up in K-Preps rankings this week to No. 3 in 1A. Landon Lewis had 143 rushing yards and four touchdowns while completing 4-of-5 passes for 56 yards and another score. Cael Horgan added 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
After starting 0-5, St. Marys has now rattled off back-to-back wins after beating Wabaunsee on the road last week 45-14. The Bears rushed for 348 yards and averaged over 12 yards per carry. Mason Mayhew rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, Parker Heim rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns, and Jace Hurla added 89 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The district championship is on the line in this matchup between Rossville and St. Marys. These two teams have split their last four meetings. Rossville won last season 40-34 while St. Marys last beat the Bulldogs 24-19 in 2024.
Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Kraxner’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville
(7-0) McLouth at (6-1) Jefferson County North (1A D3 & NEKL) – 93.7 KAIR
McLouth kept the undefeated record alive last week beating Maur Hill-Mount Academy at home 40-7. The Bulldogs are scoring nearly 42 points per game while their defense is allowing just 8.8 points per game. McLouth is one of only three unbeaten teams in remaining in Class 1A with the other two being defending champs Sterling and Thomas More Prep.
Jefferson County North secured their sixth straight win last week defeating Atchison County on the road 28-6. The Chargers led 12-6 at halftime and controlled the game in the second half. Knox Heston ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns while Merrick Noll rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
District championship is on the line in this matchup between McLouth and JCN. McLouth is also trying to secure a share of the league title alongside Riverside. These two played twice last season. JCN won both games. 58-8 in the regular season, and 30-14 in the first round of the playoffs. McLouth last beat JCN in 2024 by a final score of 30-14.
Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Kraxner’s Pick: McLouth
Jake’s Pick: McLouth
Boz’s Pick: McLouth
(0-7) ACCHS at (0-7) Doniphan West (1A D3)
ACCHS took another tough loss last week at home at the hands of Jefferson County North, 28-6. The Tigers were down just 12-6 at the half. It has just been that type of year for the Tigers, losing every game close, they have yet to be blown out. Their worst loss by margin was week one against Jackson Heights, 32-7. This road game at Doniphan West is a win and gets into the playoffs.
Doniphan West played a non-league, non-district game last week at home against Republic County. The Mustangs lost 28-12. They have had a rough year all around, with a coaching change and key players being in and out of the lineup. They have a huge home game with ACCHS this week.
This is the first meeting between these two teams since 2013, when ACCHS won 14-13. Doniphan West won this game in 2011, 30-13.
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Kraxner’s Pick: ACCHS
Jake’s Pick: Doniphan West
Boz’s Pick: ACCHS
(5-2) Onaga at (4-3) Centralia (1A D4 & TVL) – 92.1 KMZA
Onaga suffered a critical road loss to Valley Heights last week, 21-18. The Buffaloes played another close game, but this time came out on the wrong side of it. With the huge league and district loss, the Buffaloes need to beat Centralia this week to give them a chance to host a first round playoff game.
Centralia bounced back last week, defeating Jackson Heights on the road, 30-14. That game was tied at 14 at half. Quentin Alderfer ran for over 200 yards and 3 scores in the win. The Panthers defense also picked off three passes. Centralia just needs to win this game to lock up the league and district title.
Centralia beat Onaga twice last year, 44-8 and 54-20. The Panthers have won the last 25 meetings, with Onaga winning in 1998, 12-9. Centralia has eliminated Onaga in the playoffs the last two seasons. This series goes all the way back to 1921.
Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Kraxner’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Centralia
(0-7) Valley Falls at (3-4) Jackson Heights (1A D4 & NEKL) – Cobra Channel
Valley Falls suffered a tough home loss last week to Horton, 22-6. The game was a league contest but had no district implications. The Dragons hit the road to take on Jackson Heights this week. This is a win and gets into the playoffs.
Jackson Heights dropped a home contest last week to Centralia 30-14. Tatum Eisenbarth ran for over 150 yards and two touchdowns last week. The Cobras are 0-3 in district play, with losses by 1, 6 and 16. They will try to beat the Dragons and get into the playoffs this Friday.
Last season, the Cobras won this game, 54-6. Jackson Heights has won the last 6 meetings, with Valley Falls winning in 2007, 21-8.
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
2A District Games
(2-5) Oskaloosa at (0-7) Maranatha (2A D3)
Oskaloosa followed up their big win against West Franklin last week with a 51-8 district loss to Osage City. The Bears’ two wins this season have come against teams who are a combined 1-13. Oskaloosa’s five losses have come against teams who are a combined 32-3.
It has been a rough go this season for Maranatha as they dropped to 0-7 last week with a 48-14 loss at West Franklin. Last week was the first time that Maranatha scored points since week two. Maranatha has -been outscored this season 371-53 which includes an 89-0 loss against Silver Lake.
A win for Oskaloosa will earn them the No. 3 seed in this district while Maranatha needs a win and some help to back their way into the playoffs. First meeting between these two since 2017 with Oskaloosa winning that matchup 54-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Justin’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Kraxner’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Jake’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Boz’s Pick: Oskaloosa
(6-1) Osage City at (7-0) Silver Lake (2A D3) – Silver Lake Channel
Osage City appears to be setting up for a deep playoff run. They secured their fifth straight win last week as they beat Oskaloosa 51-8. The Indians only loss was in week two vs. No 3 ranked and undefeated Council Grove 22-14. During this five game winning streak, Osage City has outscored their opponents 258-41.
No. 2 ranked Silver Lake continued their dominance last week beating Holton 61-0 in a non-district game. Kip Kruger completed 8-of-9 passes for 142 yards and four touchdowns. Dom Monhollon rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries. In their last four games, Silver Lake is averaging 72 points per game including north of 50 points per game in the first half alone!
District championship is on the line in this matchup. These are two teams that could easily find themselves in a state title game next month. Since 2004, Silver Lake is 9-1 against Osage City. The Eagles won this matchup last season 28-21.
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
(6-1) Riverside at (4-3) Royal Valley (2A D4) – 103.9 KNZA
Riverside took care of business last week beating Pleasant Ridge at home 55-22. The Cyclones led 49-6 at halftime. Freshman running back Charles Hewins has rushed for 1,560 yards and 24 touchdowns on nearly 14 yards per carry this season. Junior quarterback Kobe Koehler has thrown for over 1,000 yards with 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Keagan Hughes, Brooks Griffin, and Grady Sigrist all have between 250 and 337 receiving yards with a combined 15 touchdowns.
Royal Valley was unable to take down No. 1 last week as they lost at Sabetha 36-8. Manny Oliveira led the Panthers’ attack with over 100 rushing yards which also put him at over 1,000 rushing yards for this season. Sophomore quarterback Ryker Warton scored the lone touchdown for the Panthers on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Winner of this game earns the runner-up finish in the district and a home playoff game in the first round. This is the first meeting between Riverside and Royal Valley since 2023. Royal Valley won that matchup 38-16 and have won the last three in the series. Riverside last beat Royal Valley 42-14 in 2019. Since 2004, Royal Valley is 7-2 against Riverside.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kraxner’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
(7-0) Sabetha at (1-6) Horton (2A D4) – Sabetha Channel
2A No. 1 ranked Sabetha looked the part last week dispatching Royal Valley at home 36-8. Micah Lang rushed for 77 yards and four touchdowns while completing two passes for 52 yards. Lincoln Menold rushed for 160 yards with his first carry of the game going for a 68-yard touchdown.
Horton snapped their 16-game losing streak last week as they won at Valley Falls 22-6. It was their first win since the end of the 2024 season. The 22 points scored tied for the most in a game this season.
Sabetha has already locked up the district title while Horton has already been eliminated from postseason contention. Since 2008, Sabetha is 10-0 against Horton with the last meeting in 2023 which ended in a final score of 55-6.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kraxner’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Sabetha
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(5-2) Riley County at (7-0) Council Grove (2A D5)
Riley County bounced back after their loss to Marysville by defeating defending 2A runner-up Southeast of Saline last week 21-20. Quarterback Kadrick Woodard had a massive game for the Falcons completing 7-of-10 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown while adding 24 carries for 229 yards and another score.
2A No. 3 ranked Council Grove remained unbeaten last week beating then No. 2 (1A) Inman 36-21. Quarterback Luke Stewart threw for 341 yards and combined for four total touchdowns. Stewart has broken the school records this season for passing yards (1,811), passing touchdowns (19), and total yards (1,975). Council Grove is 7-0 for the first time in 20 years.
Council Grove secures the district title with a win over Riley County. A Falcons win would land a three-way tie at the top w/ Council Grove and Marysville then it would come down to tiebreakers. Council Grove is looking for its first district title since 1992, and a win would give them their first undefeated regular season in program history (131 years).
Brandon’s Pick: Council Grove
Justin’s Pick: Council Grove
Kraxner’s Pick: Council Grove
Jake’s Pick: Council Grove
Boz’s Pick: Council Grove
3A District Games
(4-3) Santa Fe Trail at (3-4) Perry-Lecompton (3A D3)
The first half of the season was up for Santa Fe Trail, and so far, the back half has been down for Santa Fe Trail. After starting 4-0, SFT has now lost three straight after falling at home to Hayden last week 49-6. They have only been able to score 18 points over their last three games while their defense has allowed 97 over the last two games.
Perry-Lecompton was right in the mix in their non-district game last week against Rock Creek, but the Mustangs rallied for a 20-12 win over the Kaws. Perry-Lecompton led 12-6, going into the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold on. In the loss, quarterback AJ Campbell threw for over 170 yards and a touchdown.
Winner of this game will earn the No. 3 seed in the district while the loser will be the No. 4 seed. These two teams have split their last two meetings. SFT won the meeting last season 20-14 while Perry-Lecompton beat SFT 35-0 in 2024 which was a first round playoff matchup.
Brandon’s Pick: Santa Fe Trail
Justin’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Kraxner’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Jake’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Boz’s Pick: Santa Fe Trail
(0-7) Hiawatha at (1-6) Holton (3A D4 & Big East) – Hiawatha & Holton Channels
The rough season continued for Hiawatha last week with a 49-6 home loss against Nemaha Central. The Redhawks scored the first touchdown of the game but couldn’t muster any points the rest of the game. It was the sixth time this season the Redhawks scored less than 10 points while it was also the sixth time this year the Redhawks allowed more than 40 points.
Holton had all sorts of issues last week against Silver Lake falling 61-0 for their third consecutive loss. This is the worst seven game stretch to start a season for Holton since 1993, which they finished that season 0-9.
Holton has won 24 straight games against Hiawatha with the Redhawks last win over Holton coming back in 2001. Best case scenario for Holton is the No. 3 seed in the district while Hiawatha could back their way into the playoffs with a victory.
Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick:
Kraxner’s Pick: Holton
Jake’s Pick: Holton
Boz’s Pick: Holton
(3-4) Atchison at (4-3) Nemaha Central (3A D4)
Atchison had their brief two-game winning streak snapped last week as they were beaten by Jefferson West 67-8. The Phoenix were in the game early but ultimately trailed 32-8 at halftime while they allowed 35 more points in the second half.
Nemaha Central is starting to find a groove at the right time. They won their third straight game last week defeating Hiawatha on the road 49-6. Sullivan Haverkamp led the balanced attack with five rushing touchdowns.
A win for Nemaha Central earns them the runner-up finish in the district and a first round home playoff game. Atchison could still find their way into the playoffs with a loss, but they would be going on the road in the opening round. This is the first all-time meeting between Nemaha Central and Atchison.
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
(6-1) Jefferson West at (5-1) Wamego
Another casual night for Jefferson West last week as they beat Atchison 67-8 for their fourth straight win. Brixton Schwinn threw for 361 yards and five touchdowns. Through seven games this season, Schwinn has thrown for 1,935 yards with 30 touchdowns and only five interceptions. The Tigers have seven players this season with 10+ receptions with all having between 122 and 440 yards.
Wamego continued their strong season last week defeating Hesston on the road 42-14. The Red Raiders had a bye week in week five and their only loss was against Mulvane in week four, 41-40. Wamego went 9-3 last season and lost in the sub-state championship to Kapaun 56-7.
Jefferson West has already secured the district championship while Wamego enters this matchup as the No. 3 seed in 4A West. This is the first meeting between Jefferson West and Wamego since 2015 with the Tigers winning that game 22-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson West
Justin’s Pick: Wamego
Kraxner’s Pick: Wamego
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson West
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson West
(5-2) Valley Heights at (1-6) West Franklin
Valley Heights picked up a crucial home win last week over Onaga, 21-18. The Mustangs took home the big league and district win, finishing out their district schedule at 3-1, with wins by, 1, 2 and 3 points. However, despite the close wins, Valley Heights is in a good spot to host a first round playoff game, as they try and get healthy before next week.
West Franklin picked up a big win over Maranatha last week, 48-14, to secure a playoff spot, finishing 4th in their district. After having trouble scoring the ball the first five weeks, the Falcons have scored 32 and 48 the last two weeks. Last week snapped a 7-game losing streak.
This is the first all-time meeting between these two teams.
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
(4-3) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (3-4) Pleasant Ridge (NEKL)
Maur Hill-Mount Academy took a step back last week, losing at McLouth 40-7. The Ravens have already secured a playoff berth under first year head coach Jose Licon and are going to be a tough 3 seed in 1A.
Pleasant Ridge ran into a very good Riverside team last week and dropped the game, 55-22. The Rams are in the 2A playoff field as a 4 seed. This game Friday with Maur Hill is a league game and to try and build some momentum heading into postseason play.
Pleasant Ridge won the last meeting between these schools in 2023, 55-16. The Rams won the last 3 meetings, with Maur Hill last winning in 2019, 49-14.
Brandon’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Justin’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Kraxner’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jake’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Boz’s Pick: Maur Hill-Mount Academy
