It’s playoff time in high school football across Kansas. 8-Man playoffs begin Thursday night plus some Class 3A, and the rest of the postseason action will take place on Friday. It’s also a great opportunity for teams who didn’t make the playoffs to play one more time to find some momentum heading into the offseason. It’s the Friday Night Fever and it’s presented by GN Banks.

2021 Pick Records

Jonny

Last week: 20-2
Overall: 132-31
Justin

Last week: 21-1
Overall: 135-28
Brandon

Last week: 20-2
Overall: 137-26

Games to be Broadcast

103.9 KNZA & Holton Channel – Santa Fe Trail at Holton (Thursday)
92.1 KMZA – St. John’s Tipton at Axtell (Thursday)
103.9 KNZA + Sabetha Channel – Sabetha at Perry Lecompton (Friday)

Week 9 Games – PLAYOFFS

8-Man Division I - Thursday

(4-4) Valley Falls at #1 (8-0) Little River

The Valley Falls Dragons earned their spot in the playoffs last week in a thrilling 28-26 win over Washington County in what was a win and you are in situation for both teams. Dylan Cervantez was great for the Dragons throwing for 161 yards and three touchdowns including two to Soloman Drinkard. Sam Drinkard also caught and ran for a score securing the Dragons first non-losing regular season since 2010. Heading into the playoffs Cevantez leads the Dragons with 16 total touchdowns while Sam Drinkard and Zac Evans have combined for 16 more scores.

Little River secured their 16th consecutive victory Friday with a 48-0 win over Soloman to finish 5-0 in district four. The Redskins enter the playoffs ranked No. 1 in the state scoring 50 points per game and beating opponents on average of 38 points per game. The Redskins went 11-2 last season and captured the 8-man DII State Championship.

These two teams have never played with the winner getting Burlingame or Bennington in the regional round.

Jonny’s Pick: Little River
Justin’s Pick: Little River
Brandon’s Pick: Little River

(5-3) Solomon at (6-1) Clifton Clyde

The Eagles enter the playoffs on a five-game winning streak after defeating Maranatha last week 58-6. Clifton Clyde has outscored their opponents 248-30 during that stretch. The Eagles won their opening round playoff game last season over Bennington but lost to eventual State Champion Little River in the Regional round.

Solomon limps into the playoffs after taking a 48-0 loss to Little River last week. After starting the season 3-1, the Gorillas finished the final four games at 2-2. Solomon is out of the Wheat State League which houses top teams Little River and Canton Galva. Solomon went 4-5 last season and failed to make the postseason largely due to losing the final five games after starting last year 4-0.

Jonny’s Pick: Clifton Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton Clyde
Brandon’s Pick: Clifton Clyde

(3-5) Doniphan West at #3 (6-1) Canton Galva

Doniphan West snuck into the playoffs by virtue of wins over Valley Falls and Maranatha in district play but head into week nine following a tough 36-28 overtime loss to Burlingame last week. The Mustangs raced out to a 22-8 lead at the half but were held to just six points in the second half and overtime combined. Trent Spiker ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns while Kole Franken added 79 and two scores.

Doniphan West by virtue has to hit the road for round one and travel over three hours to Canton-Galva who is currently ranked No. 3 in 8-man DI. The Eagles are 6-1 with just an 8-point loss to No. 1 Little River on their resume. Canton-Galva features Kansas State commit Tyson Struber who last week broke the career 8-man receiving yards record in Kansas with over 1,530 career yards and 572 this season with nine touchdowns.

The Mustangs and Eagles have never played with the winner getting Soloman or Clifton-Clyde in the regional round.

Jonny’s Pick: Canton Galva
Justin’s Pick: Canton Galva
Brandon’s Pick: Canton Galva

(0-6) Herington at (1-7) Washington County – Non-Playoff Game

The Tigers posted their worst season since 2017 as they finished the regular season 1-7 and have lost four straight heading into their game against Herington. The Tigers have been shutout three times this season and are averaging just 10 points per game during the four-game losing streak.

Herington’s season was consistent, not with wins but with how the schedule played out. They had multiple games cancelled due to Covid, so they never had a stretch where they played three games in a span of three weeks. The Railers lost last week to Bennington 78-30. Herington is just 3-20 since 2019.

Jonny’s Pick: Washington County
Justin’s Pick: Washington County
Brandon’s Pick: Washington County

8-Man Division II – Thursday

(4-4) Onaga at #2 (8-0) Thunder Ridge

The Buffaloes had their four-game winning streak snapped last week with a 54-8 loss to #1 Axtell. Onaga was down 14-8 early in the second quarter but the Eagles would outscore Onaga 40-0 the rest of the way with the game called with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Onaga had a first round exit in the playoffs last season losing to St. John’s Tipton 50-14.

Thunder Ridge enters the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the State Title this season after a strong undefeated regular season. Thunder Ridge blasted Frankfort two weeks ago 60-12 and last week won via a forfeit by Southern Cloud. Thunder Ridge rolled through Northern Plains League winning the league and District Four Titles. The Longhorns lost 42-40 against Axtell last year in the first round of the playoffs.

Jonny’s Pick: Thunder Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Thunder Ridge
Brandon’s Pick: Thunder Ridge

(4-4) Beloit St. John’s-Tipton at #1 (8-0) Axtell (92.1 KMZA)

The Axtell Eagles soar into the postseason ranked #1 in 8M-II as they closed out the regular season undefeated after beating Onaga last week 54-8. Quarterback Isaac Detweiler accounted for five more touchdowns, and he finished the regular season with 41 total touchdowns in eight games. Axtell’s eight game winning streak is the longest such streak since 2004. Axtell got to the regional round of the playoffs last season before losing to Hanover.

The Blujays snapped a brief two-game losing streak closing out the regular season last week with a 52-6 win over Rock Hills. The Blujays defeated Onaga in the first round of the playoffs last season before losing to Frankfort in the regional round 54-43.

Axtell has won the last three meetings against the Blujays winning twice in 2019 and at the beginning of the 2018 season.

Jonny’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell

(5-3) Hanover at #4 (6-2) Osborne

Hanover have bounced back since a rare three game losing streak in the middle of the season and enter the postseason winning back-to-back games against Linn and most recently Wetmore. The Wildcats outscored Linn and Wetmore 110-18. Hanover is looking to repeat as State Champs as they rolled through the playoffs and defeated St. Francis in the title game.

Osborne checks in ranked #4 in 8M-II with their only two losses of the season coming against Hill City and Thunder Ridge. Hill City is #5 in 8M-I while Thunder Ridge is #2 in 8M-II.

Osborne hosted Hanover on October 1st and won that game 36-26. These two teams also met in the first round of the playoffs last season where Hanover cruised 56-6. These two teams have played seven times since 2014 with Hanover winning six of the seven meetings.

Jonny’s Pick: Osborne
Justin’s Pick: Osborne
Brandon’s Pick: Osborne

(6-2) Lakeside-Downs at (6-2) Frankfort

Frankfort bounced back and grabbed some momentum heading into the postseason with a 56-6 win at Linn last week. The week before they took a 60-12 loss at #2 Thunder Ridge. The Wildcats posted a 7-2 record last season and made it all the way to the semi-finals of the playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Hanover.

The Knights of Lakeside-Downs enter the postseason with four straight wins, and they defeated Blue Valley last week 56-6. The only two losses for the Knights came against ranked teams Thunder Ridge and Osborne.

This is a rematch of a first round playoff game last season where Frankfort picked up the 60-14 win. That was the first matchup between the two since 2007 and Frankfort has won the last four meetings dating back to 2005.

Jonny’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Brandon’s Pick: Lakeside-Downs

(1-7) Southern Cloud at (0-8) Wetmore – Non-Playoff Game

Wetmore is looking to avoid a winless season and to snap a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season with their final game against Southern Cloud. The Cardinals dealt with low numbers and injuries all season and at some points were playing with just eight players in some games.

Southern Cloud won their first game of the season against Wilson but lost seven straight including back-to-back forfeits to end the season against Osborne and Thunder Ridge. Southern Cloud has won just three games since the 2018 season.

These two played in 2018 and 2019 with Wetmore winning both games, 44-24 in 2018 and 28-22 in 2019.

Jonny’s Pick: Southern Cloud
Justin’s Pick: Wetmore
Brandon’s Pick: Southern Cloud

(3-5) Pike Valley at (2-6) Blue Valley – Non-Playoff Game

Blue Valley has lost back-to-back games since winning two in a row against Linn and Wetmore at the beginning of October. The Rams had a tough time last week with Lakeside-Downs 56-6. The Rams haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2018 season.

Pike Valley enters this game losing three of their last four games including last week to Osborne, 60-34. The Panthers three wins this season have come against Southern Cloud, Wetmore and Rock Hills who have a combined two wins this season.

Blue Valley is 2-4 against Pike Valley since 2005. Pike Valley won the matchup last season 54-6. Blue Valley’s last win against Pike Valley was 2011.

Jonny’s Pick: Pike Valley
Justin’s Pick: Pike Valley
Brandon’s Pick: Pike Valley

(1-6) Rock Hills at (2-6) Linn – Non-Playoff Game

Linn enters the final game of the season with five straight losses including last week’s 56-6 loss to Frankfort. Linn started the season 2-1 with wins over Wetmore and Southern Cloud before hitting the five-game losing streak.

Rock Hills have lost their last two games since their only win of the season against Southern Cloud. Last week’s loss was 52-6 at St. John’s Tipton. The Grizzlies offense is averaging just 14 points per game this season and have been shut out twice and three other games they only scored six points.

These two were scheduled to open this season at Linn but that game was cancelled. Linn is just 1-5 in the last six meetings with Rock Hills dating back to 2012. Linn’s lone victory was in 2013.

Jonny’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Brandon’s Pick: Linn

Class 1A

(0-8) Horton at (4-3) Lyndon

The Horton Chargers are still searching for their first victory of the season and head into the playoffs off their best offensive showing of the season in a 46-21 loss to Troy. The Chargers trailed 40-0 at the half but got a pair of Trey Lockwood rushing touchdowns and a Trent Lockwood score to make the score look a lot closer than the game indicated.

Horton now gets Lyndon who beat Uniontown last week 38-6 to earn the second spot in district one behind No. 1-ranked Olpe. The Tigers have not had the toughest schedule this year losing to Osage City by 41 points, to Olpe by 58 and to Centralia by 26.

It is the second straight season these two teams have met in week nine with Lyndon winning last season 57-6.

Jonny’s Pick: Lyndon
Justin’s Pick: Lyndon
Brandon’s Pick: Lyndon

(4-4) Troy at (3-5) Uniontown

Troy wrapped up the sixth spot in district two last week with a 46-21 victory over Horton after leading 40-0 at halftime. Cam Anderson threw for 307 yards and six touchdowns, Jerritt Norris caught two and had 121 yards while Boden Benitz added 124 and two scores. The Trojans just missed out on taking fifth in the district but a 12-0 loss to Valley Heights two weeks ago kept Troy in sixth. Anderson has now thrown for 1,594 yards this season with 739 to Norris.

Uniontown meanwhile finished 2-3 in district one with wins over Pleasanton and Northern Heights with their other win coming over a team from Missouri. The Eagles have struggled offensively this season scoring just 20 points per game but breaking 20 just three times this season.

This game marks another rematch from last season in week nine which the Eagles won 51-14.

Jonny’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Brandon’s Pick: Troy

(4-3) Central Heights at (4-4) Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights heads into the playoffs feeling disappointed after falling in a heartbreaker to Jeff County North last week 8-7. The Cobras led 7-0 at the half but gave up a touchdown and two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter to keep the Cobras from taking third in district two. Jason Bosley ran for 76 yards and a score for the Cobras who had just 194 total yards of offense.

The Cobras must bounce back quickly against Central Heights who lost to Pleasanton last week 20-7. The Vikings have not had a tough schedule this year with their four wins against teams that have a combined record of 3-26 including three winless teams.

Jackson Heights blanked the Vikings 26-0 last season in another week nine rematch.

Jonny’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights

(3-4) Valley Heights at (2-5) Pleasanton

The Mustangs have found a little momentum heading into their first-round matchup at Pleasanton as they’ve won two of their last three including last week 46-0 over Northern Heights. The Mustangs are looking to make up for a lost opportunity last season as they had to back out of their opening round playoff game against Northeast Arma due to Covid.

The Pleasanton Blu-Jays are out of the Three Rivers League and have won their last two games since starting the season 0-5. Those two wins came against Northern Heights and most recently 20-7 last week over Central Heights. Pleasanton went 3-6 last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Wabaunsee.

Jonny’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights

(6-2) Jefferson County North – BYE – will host winner of Uniontown/Troy

(6-2) Centralia – BYE – will host winner of Valley Heights/Pleasanton winner

Class 2A

(5-3) Pleasant Ridge at (6-2) Nemaha Central

Nemaha Central has been dominated the last few weeks since taking their second loss of the season to St. Marys. They won big at Republic County last week 47-0 and have outscored Republic County, Riverside and Maur Hill the last three games 159-19. The Thunder won the State Title in 2019 and reached the final four last season before losing eventual champion Rossville.

The Rams of Pleasant Ridge have put together their best season since 2018 when they finished 5-4 overall as they head into the playoffs at 5-3. They however limp into the playoffs this year after being thumped by #2 Silver Lake last week 59-24.

These two played each other last season in the opening round of the playoffs with the Thunder rolling 50-6. The Thunder have won the last five meetings against Pleasant Ridge dating back to 2016. Winner of this game would more than likely land Rossville next round.

Jonny’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central

(6-2) ACCHS at #2 (6-2) Silver Lake

ACCHS posted one of their best seasons in recent memory winning the NEKL league title and winning more than five games in the regular season for the first time since 2012. The Tigers are entering their playoff matchup off a loss to St. Marys 46-12 last week and get one of the toughest first round draws with #2 Silver Lake.

The Eagles enter the postseason with two regular season losses for the first time in a very long time. The lone losses were too undefeated 3A Riley County and 2A #1 Rossville. Silver Lake did bounce back in a big way after their loss to Rossville beating up on Pleasant Ridge last week 59-24.

The Tigers and Eagles have played just twice in recent memory and that was back in 2012 and 2013. Silver Lake won both games and outscored ACCHS 97-15 in those two games.

Jonny’s Pick: Silver Lake
Justin’s Pick: Silver Lake
Brandon’s Pick: Silver Lake

(1-7) Oskaloosa vs. (3-4) Maur Hill – Non-Playoff Game

Oskaloosa snapped a 16-game losing streak dating back to the 2019 season with a 25-8 win over McLouth last week. It was their first win since October 18th, 2019 against West Franklin. The Bears offense slowly progressed throughout the season as they scored just 14 points in their first five games but have produced a total of 51 points over their last three games.

Maur Hill bounced back last week with their first win since early September as they defeated Riverside 24-21 after missing their game the week before against St. Marys due to Covid issues. Maur Hill went 8-1 last season and lost in the second weekend of the playoffs to eventual state champion Rossville.

The last win for Maur Hill in early September was against Oskaloosa 35-8 and they have won six of the last eight meetings between the two since 2010. The Bears last win against the Ravens was 2013.

Jonny’s Pick: Maur Hill
Justin’s Pick: MH-MA
Brandon’s Pick: Maur Hill

(0-6) McLouth vs. (0-8) Riverside – Non-Playoff Game

McLouth dropped their game last week against Oskaloosa 25-8 and have lost 14 straight going back to 2019. The Bulldogs first two games of the season were cancelled due to Covid so they got behind the eight ball early and could never recover throughout the season. The yhave scored 20 points total this season.

Riverside played by far their best game of the year last week but ultimately fell in a heartbreaker to Maur Hill-Mount Academy 24-21. The Cyclones led 21-14 going into the fourth quarter but gave up a rushing touchdown and a field goal late. Kobe Davis threw for two touchdowns in the loss while Todrick Duncan added a rushing score.

Jonny’s Pick: Riverside
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Brandon’s Pick: Riverside

Class 3A

(4-4) Sabetha at (5-3) Perry Lecompton (103.9 KNZA + Sabetha Channel)

This game has a chance to be one of the best in week nine between the two Big 7 League foes.

Sabetha had a slow start last week but turned things on in the second half to pick up a convincing and quality 42-3 win over Hiawatha. Marcus Bauman returned a kick for a score and caught a receiving touchdown while Matthew Garber completed just two passes but both for scores with the other going to Tristan Wittwer. Josh Herrmann added 105 yards on the ground with a 47-yard touchdown while the Bluejays defense allowed just 217 yards.

Perry Lecompton had to hold on late last week but beat Santa Fe Trail 27-21. The Kaws led 21-0 at the half but were outscored by the Chargers 21-6 in the second half to make it close. Ryeki Tuley stepped in at quarterback for the injured Gunnar Ball and was great throwing for 184 yards and three touchdowns with two going to Kael Gorski. The Kaws are hoping to have Ball back Friday night, but it is likely to be a game-time decision.

Sabetha has won six consecutive in this series dating back to 2016 and holds an 8-4 mark against the Kaws including a 41-21 victory back in 2019.

Jonny’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Brandon’s Pick: Perry Lecompton

(4-4) Hiawatha at (7-1) Topeka-Hayden

Following a tough 42-3 loss at Sabetha last week, Hiawatha's reward for their best season and first playof game since 2013 is a trip to play at Topeka Hayden. The Redhawks led 3-0 last week but things went downhill from there including getting outscored 28-0 in the second half when they lost Tyler Willich to an injury. Hiawatha has remained balanced with three blowout wins and three blowout losses over the past six weeks.

Hayden lost to Topeka Seaman in week two, but has won all their other games, including a 31-28 victory last Friday against Bishop Ward.

Both teams have a win against their only common opponent in Perry Lecompton. These squads have not played each other in the past two decades but after tonights playoff game they will have regular season non-district matchups the next two years.

Jonny’s Pick: Hayden
Justin’s Pick: Hayden
Brandon’s Pick: Hayden

(2-6) Santa Fe Trail at #4 (8-0) Holton – Thursday (103.9 KNZA + Holton Channel)

The Wildcats have been on cruise control winning their last six games all by 20 points or more. The Holton defense had three more interceptions and pitched their first shutout of the season 54-0 against Jeff West a week ago, a game in which they led 40-0 at halftime and sit their starters the final two quarters. The Cats also passed for four touchdowns last Friday including a trio from Matt Lierz to Jake Zeller.

Holton is averaging more than 400 yards of offense and 8.4 yard per carry with four backs having more than 440 yards on the year. The Cats line will have a huge advantage against visiting Santa Fe Trail Thursday as the Chargers start only one player that weighs more than 200 pounds and has started 14 sophomores this season, including quarterback Luke Edwards who has thrown for over 1,000 yards.

SFT played with Perry Lecompton last week but couldn't overcome five turnovers in a 27-21 loss. Trail is 2-6 on the campaign but won district games against Osawatomie and Baldwin to make the playoffs and earn and rematch from a year ago versus Holton. The Chargers lost 62-25 to the Wildcats in week nine in 2020 and are 0-8 against Holton the last 12 years.

Jonny’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick: Holton
Brandon’s Pick: Holton

(2-5) Marysville at #3 (8-0) Southeast of Saline

Marysville hung tough last week against undefeated Riley County but eventually fell 25-13. That was after they had posted a 10-3 overtime win against Clay Center the week before. This is the first time since 2014 that Marysville had won less than four games in a season.

The Bulldogs get a very tough test in the playoff opener as they take on #3 and undefeated Southeast of Saline. The Trojans have posted five straight shutout wins and six overall while giving up just 12 points all season. They outscored their opponents this season 414-12. They gave up six points to Beloit and six points to Ellsworth.

These two teams played in the regional round of the playoffs last season with Southeast of Saline getting the win 20-0.

Jonny’s Pick: Southeast of Saline
Justin’s Pick: Southeast of Saline
Brandon’s Pick: Southeast of Saline

(1-7) Royal Valley vs. (0-7) Baldwin – Non-Playoff Game

Both teams are looking to end their season with a win following seven straight losses this season. Baldwin in winless and after not scoring in the first five weeks of the season, have now posted 48 total points for the season. Royal Valley meanwhile has totaled just 19 points since their week one 16-13 victory against Riverside and the Panthers have scored the fewest points in Class 3A. RV has now allowed at least 50 points in their last four games including a 51-7 defeat against Rock Creek last week allowing over 500 yards. Despite not getting a win, Baldwin has not allowed more than 42 points in any contest since week one.

This game will be the third played on turf for Royal Valley this year but their first meeting in recent history with Baldwin as they look for a springboard into the offseason and next year in seach of their thrid victory in the last three years.

Jonny’s Pick: Royal Valley
Justin’s Pick: Baldwin
Brandon’s Pick: Royal Valley

(1-7) Osawatomie vs. (1-7) Jefferson West – Non-Playoff Game THURSDAY

Nothing but pride is on the line tonight between Osawatomie and Jeff West who both finished fifth in their respective districts.

Jeff West has had a tough last four weeks losing 54-0 to Holton last week which gave the Tigers their fourth consecutive loss by at least 38 points. The Tigers turned the ball over three times last week and finished with just 156 total yards of offense and just 13 rushing yards.

Osawatomie meanwhile is coming off their first victory of the season beating Baldwin last Friday 30-14. The Trojans have been shutout three times this season.

These two teams have not played according to records dating back to 2000 and will both end their seasons tonight.

Jonny’s Pick: Jefferson West
Justin’s Pick: Osawatomie
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson West

Class 4A

(1-7) Fort Scott at (7-1) Atchison

Atchison has won seven straight games entering the postseason and last week clinched the outright KCA League title for the first time since 2016 with a 21-20 win over KC Washington. Atchison’s Jesse Greenly is one of our reigning athletes of the week after rushing for over 270 yards and two touchdowns in that game. He finished the season with over 1,400 yards and 26 touchdowns. Atchison had a tough draw last season losing to Basehor-Linwood in the first round of the playoffs. This is the longest winning streak for Atchison since 2006 when they won 10 straight.

The Fort Scott Tigers have had a tough season going 1-7 and have lost three straight heading into this matchup including last week 19-8 at Coffeyville.

Atchison and Fort Scott have played once in the 2000’s and that was back in 2018 with Fort Scott winning that game 40-12.

Jonny’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison