Thought I'd share a few of my game notes getting ready to broadcast a great matchup Friday live on KNZA 103.9 FM and www.mscsports.net  -Justin Fluke

THE GAME – The Holton Wildcats put a 25 game winning streak on the line at home where they have won their past eight playoff games dating back to 2007.  #1 Holton (11-0) vs. #2 Andale (11-0) in a third round (Sectional) Class 4A Football Playoff game at 7:00 PM Friday night.

THE COACHES – Both are graduates of K-State.  

Brooks Barta has won more than 180 games in 18 years at Holton and has the Wildcats in the playoffs for a 16th consecutive season.  Coach Gary O’Hair has won more than 120 games in 12 years with Andale as has the Indians in the post-season for a 10th straight year.  The Indians rallied around Coach O’Hair, who lost his father (Bill) two days before a 65-0 victory against Wellington in week six. 

2013 SEASONS – 

Andale came from behind the beat Collegiate 30-28 in week one and the only other close game was a 28-21 victory against Buhler (10-1) in week seven.  The Indians beat Rose Hill 32-16 in week two, but have not allowed more than 7 points since, besides Buhler.  Andale avenged a season-ending loss from 2012 when they beat McPherson last Saturday 36-7 after starting the 2013 post season with a 60-0 win against Larned/Pawnee Heights.  Andale beat three playoff qualifiers in the regular season, but faced only two teams that won more than five games this season and was 5-0 in Division 4 of the AVCTL. 

Holton survived a scare with a 12-10 comeback win against Hiawatha in week four, but every other win besides a 31-14 victory at Hayden has been by 20 points or more this year.  Holton capped their sixth straight undefeated Big 7 title and has won 14 of the last 16 League championship.  The Wildcats shutout Hesston 45-0 to start this post-season then won at Mulvane 35-14 on Saturday.  Holton beat four playoff teams in the regular season and four other teams that had losing records.            

THE HISTORY – Holton is 2-0 against Andale with both playoff games in Holton.  

In 2010, Holton beat Andale 21-8 despite being out-gained and only picking up seven first downs in the game.  The Wildcat defense forced three turnovers and led 14-0 at halftime before making a couple huge fourth down stops in the red zone in the second half.  

In 2003, Holton beat Andale 34-15 and went on to win their first state championship.  Holton is now 10-1 all time against teams from the AVCTL in the playoffs.    

TEAM STATS – Both teams have dominating defenses and run the ball on offense.  Andale has allowed 98 points total this season while Holton has surrendered just 90.  Andale averages 48.9 points per game and Holton is scoring 38.9 an outing.  The Indians have created 25 turnovers on defense including 14 interceptions while the Wildcats have 23 takeaways including 9 INTs.  Andale averaged 374 rushing yards per contest and is 37-74 through the air for 672 yards.  Holton runs for 396 yards per game and is 5 of 18 passing this season for 97 yards.    

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS – 

Andale junior, Hunter Knoblauch has 1,667 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground while Hank Eck has 478 yards and quarterback, Jared Smarch had added 447 with his legs.  Freshman, Anthony Capul also has 369 yards rushing while Jason Hermreck is the leading receiver with 19 catches for 346 yards and 5 scores.  Hermreck, Eck and Tyler Mies (73 stops) are the Indians leading tacklers.  Knoblauch returned the opening kick against McPherson 95 yards for Andale’s first special team return score of the season.  

Holton senior Brenden Hampton has 1,374 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing the football.  Drake Ewing has added 790 yards and 16 TDs but missed two games in mid-season because of injury.  Andrew Rieschick, who missed three games, has 484 yards on the ground, Mason Barta has ranked up 332 yards and senior quarterback, Ethan Holaday has added 560 yards in the run game.  Hampton has made 53 of 57 PATs and kicked 3 field goals.  Barta leads the Wildcat defense in tackles.   

STATE CHAMPS – Andale won undefeated state titles in 2006 and 2007.  Holton won state in 2003 and was crowned unbeaten state champs in 2005 and 2012.  

THE WEATHER – Sunny and 52 degrees when the gates open at 5:15 PM.  47 degrees at game time with a very light (5-10 mph) southeast breeze.  

THE WINNER – Will be playing on the road against the victor of Hayden (7-4) at Buhler (10-1) in Sub-State on Friday, November 22nd.   

THE LIVE BROADCAST – Can be heard on 103.9 FM, KNZA Radio and also streamed online on www.mscsports.net and live audio/video at http://www.citylinktv.com/channel/holton/