2023 Pick Records

Brandon

Last week: 17-2
Overall: 48-9
2022 Record: 172-29

Justin

Last week: 16-3
Overall: 50-7
2022 Record: 174-27

Jared

Last week: 15-4
Overall: 44-13
2022 Record: 154-47

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

KNZA 103.9 FM & Cobra Channel – Riverside at Jackson Heights
KMZA 92.1 FM – Frankfort at Doniphan West
KAIR 93.7 FM– Pleasant Ridge at Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Holton Channel– Holton at Perry-Lecompton
Sabetha Channel – Sabetha at Minneapolis
Hiawatha Channel – Clay Center at Hiawatha

Week 4 Games

8M-I DISTRICT 5 – Twin Valley League

(2-1) Washington County at (2-1) Clifton-Clyde

The Tigers ran for 236 yards on 6.6 yards per carry in their 48-30 win at home against Linn last week. Miles Miller accounted for 158 yards and three touchdowns with 8.3 yards per tote. He has eight touchdowns so far and is averaging 109.7 yards per game.

Clifton-Clyde is trying to come back after getting thwarted by #1 8M-DII Axtell 52-6 on the road last week. Quarterback Trent Long was held to just 18 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. He was the only ball carrier with more than two rushing yards. Clifton-Clyde was only able to produce 76 yards. They also were just 3-for-14 on third down conversions.

Clifton-Clyde has won the last four games in the series dating back to 2018 with a combined score of 172-12. The Tigers are hoping for their first win against Clifton-Clyde since 2003.

Brandon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Jared’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde

8M-II DISTRICT 3 – Twin Valley League

(2-1) Blue Valley-Randolph at (1-2) Hanover

The Rams continued their winning ways to improve their record to 2-1 after defeating Wakefield 42-14 on the road last week. It’s the first time they have won two of their first three games since 2013. This is their second of four road games in a five-game span.

The Wildcats were able to narrowly escape an 0-3 start after defeating Osborne on the road 28-26. Their defense held the Bulldogs to just 4.2 yards per carry. They also forced two turnovers in their Week 3 victory. Hanover’s offense is still trying to hit its stride. They are averaging just 21.3 points per game so far this year.

Hanover has won the last 13 meetings and 21 of the last 22 dating back to 1997 with 2005 being the last time the Rams have bested the Wildcats.

Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Jared’s Pick: Hanover

(3-0) Axtell at (1-2) Linn

Axtell had no issues with beating Clifton-Clyde last week with a final of 52-6. Eli Broxterman had 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just five carries in the win. Brandon Schmelzle was 7-for-11 with 111 yards and two touchdowns with 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Grady Buessing had both receiving touchdowns with 100 yards on just three catches. Axtell is averaging 54.6 points per game so far this season.

Linn’s defense had its struggles last week in their 48-30 loss at Washington County. The Bulldogs have only allowed fewer than 30 points twice in their last 19 games dating back to Week 3 in 2021. Linn hasn’t held an opponent to under 20 points since October 5th, 2018. Saying that doing it this week will be challenging would be a massive understatement.

Axtell has won the last eight meetings by a combined score of 388-92. The Eagles have won 16 of the last 17 in the series dating back to 1997 with the Bulldogs’ last win against Axtell being in 2005.

Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Jared’s Pick: Axtell

(2-1) Frankfort at (0-3) Doniphan West – KMZA 92.1 FM

It was a rough go for Frankfort last week against an incredibly talented team as the Wildcats lost 70-24. Wes Anderson had a solid day statistically, though, with 270 yards and four touchdowns, but his completion percentage was just 42% and he did have an interception and a fumble lost. Carter Olson continued to prove he is among the best wide receivers in the state with 114 yards and three touchdowns. With Frankfort playing from behind for most of the game, the run game was an afterthought with just 14 carries for 12 yards as a team.

It’s been a tough start to 2023 for Doniphan West as they dropped to 0-3 last week with a 52-6 loss against Maranatha Academy. The Mustangs have been outscored 158-18 in their first three games of the season. It’s the first time since 2019 that Doniphan West has started a season 0-3.

Frankfort is 5-0 against Doniphan West dating back to 2006 with the Wildcats winning the matchup last season 54-6. The Wildcats are averaging over 52 points per game against the Mustangs.

Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Jared’s Pick: Frankfort

1A DISTRICT 3 – Non-League

(1-2) Mission Valley at (1-2) Valley Falls

It was an offensive struggle for both teams in Mission Valley’s 7-3 win last week at West Franklin. Junior quarterback Porter Deters was efficient on the ground with 23 carries for 137 yards. He struggled to throw it, though, going just 5-for-14 for 39 yards, but he had the game’s lone touchdown.

The Dragons were able to outpace Horton in Week 2 with a 34-24 victory at home. Zac Evans tore it up on the ground with 17 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also had 69 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, and Evans also got a receiving touchdown as well.

Last year’s matchup was the only recent game between these two teams with it being a 24-16 Vikings victory.

Brandon’s Pick: Mission Valley
Justin’s Pick: Mission Valley
Jared’s Pick: Valley Falls

(1-2) Oskaloosa at (0-3) St. Marys

Oskaloosa has now lost back-to-back one score games with all three of their games being determined by a touchdown or less. Prior to this stretch, they hadn’t played in a one-score game since a 20-14 loss to Royal Valley on October 20th, 2017. This past week it was a 26-20 loss at home against ACCHS. Coy Perry was busy once again but not quite as much as last week. 48 of the teams 53 offensive plays went through him. He went 17-for-33 with 225 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 15 carries and a rushing touchdown, but the Tigers defense limited him to just 35 yards.

The reigning state champs have fallen on hard times. St. Mary’s is the first team in Kansas Class 1A history to win a state championship and start the following season 0-3. They shouldn’t feel too bad about themselves, though, because their losses have been one possession games against Silver Lake and Rossville and a road loss to a very good Rock Creek team, which handed them their only loss last year.

Last year’s “Battle of the Bears” saw St. Mary’s run all over Oskaloosa en route to a 64-0 mercy rule victory. The game was the first meeting between the teams since 1997.

Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys
Justin’s Pick: St. Marys
Jared’s Pick: St. Marys

1A DISTRICT 3 – Northeast Kansas League

(3-0) McLouth at (3-0) Jefferson County North

The Bulldogs’ defense held Maur Hill-Mount Academy to 230 yards of offense in their 52-12 win last week. Their 52 points is the most since they scored 54 points on October 12th, 2018, against Central Heights. It’s also the first time they scored more than 35 points since October 25th, 2018. They are hoping to go 4-0 for the first time since 2011 when they started 7-0.

Jefferson County North is up to #3 in Class 1A according to K-Preps latest rankings after the Chargers beat a top five team in Wabaunsee last week 36-34 to move to 3-0. Grady Noll combined for 241 total yards of offense and three touchdowns. JCN outgained Wabaunsee in total yards 365-266, compiled 20 first downs, and was 5/10 on third-down conversions. It’s the first time since 2019 that the Chargers have started a season 3-0.

JCN holds the 10-7 advantage over McLouth since 2004 with the Chargers winning five of the last six meetings. JCN won last season 54-18 with McLouth’s last win over JCN being 28-12 in 2018.

Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Jared’s Pick: Jefferson County North

1A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(1-2) Riverside at (3-0) Jackson Heights – KNZA 103.9 FM & Cobra Channel

It was a rough outing last week for Riverside as they lost at Royal Valley 38-16. The game got out of hand early with The Panthers going up 32-0 in the first half. The Cyclones fought hard, though, with Percy Duncan getting a pair of second half touchdowns. Ryder Davis had a nice game with seven catches for 75 receiving yards. The defense was unable to stop Royal Valley’s rushing attack with the Panthers racking up 372 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Jackson Heights continued their strong play last week with a 45-14 win at Pleasant Ridge. Drake Mellies balled out once again as he led Jackson Heights with 122 passing yards along with 121 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Kade Holliday added 93 rushing yards and another score while averaging over nine yards per carry. Five different players caught passes from Mellies including six receptions for Joshua Smith for 47 yards. The Cobras have outscored their first three opponents 129-26.

Riverside has won the last two meetings against Jackson Heights with a 28-12 victory last season along with a 48-8 win back in 2011.

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

1A DISTRICT 4 – Twin Valley League

(3-0) Centralia at (1-2) Troy

Centralia’s offense was able to secure back-to-back wins with 40+ points after getting a 48-6 road victory against Onaga. Most of the Panthers’ offense has come on the ground so far with 240 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry. Maveryk Becker is averaging nearly 100 yards per game with 294 yards and a touchdown. He also already has almost 200 receiving yards with three touchdowns.

Troy has had a tough start to their season with multiple key injuries and down numbers. Troy lost at home to Valley Heights last week 52-16. The Mustangs tallied over 500 yards of offense in the win. This is the first time in three seasons that Troy has dropped at least two of their first three games.

Centralia has dominated the series with Troy winning 10 of the last 12 dating back to 2006. Last year’s game came down to the final play in which Centralia was able to win 20-19. The Panthers have won eight straight against Troy with the Trojans last win back in 2016.

Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Jared’s Pick: Centralia

1A DISTRICT 5 – Non-League

(2-1) Valley Heights at (0-3) Republic County

Valley Heights had an absurd 501 rushing yards and seven touchdowns as a team in their 52-16 win at Troy last week. Carson Spoonts led the team with 215 yards and two touchdowns. Jayden DeWalt had 154 yards and two touchdowns with each getting 11 carries. Kaison Bigham lead the team in carries with 14 with 71 yards and two scores. Logan Gray had six carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. Troy got the first score of the game with a 77-yard passing touchdown, but that would be 77 of the team’s 93 total yards for the game.

The Republic County Buffaloes have struggled in 2023 with all three of their losses being by 50 points or more. They have been outscored 177-12 in total. Republic County has just one winning season since the merger of Belleville and Hillcrest North Central in 2006 (2020).

Last year’s game between these two was a 22-16 win for the Mustangs in overtime. Valley Heights has won the last three meetings with the last Republic County win being in 2015.

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

2A DISTRICT 3 – Non-League

(1-2) Rossville at (2-1) ACCHS

Rossville dropped their second straight game last week 49-23 at home against 3A #3 Topeka Hayden. Senior quarterback Camden Horak completed 17 of 29 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns but he added four interceptions. He also tallied 42 of the teams 47 rushing yards in the game. Sophomore wide receiver Jack Donovan had five catches for 111 yards. It’s the second straight season that Rossville has started 1-2 through the first three games.

ACCHS bounced back after their week two loss to Jefferson County North with a 26-20 win over Oskaloosa. The game was scoreless after one quarter and tied 6-6 going into halftime. ACCHS finished the game with 149 rushing yards and 51 passing yards. The Tigers were led by Jeston Vessar with 14 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. 

Rossville has won four of the last five meetings against ACCHS including 49-8 last season. The Tigers last win over Rossville was 35-29 back in 2004.

Brandon’s Pick: Rossville
Justin’s Pick: Rossville
Jared’s Pick: Rossville

2A DISTRICT 3 – Northeast Kansas League

(1-2) Pleasant Ridge at (0-3) Maur Hill-Mount Academy – KAIR 93.7 FM

Pleasant Ridge has a tight win and two blowout losses so far this season with the Rams coming off a 46-14 loss at home versus Jackson Heights. Their 1-2 start makes it the fourth time in the last five years that P-Ridge has started their first three games with a losing record. They have a scoring margin of -89 on the young season.

Thomas Boos had six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens’ 52-12 loss at McLouth. He was the team’s lone bright spot as MHMA struggled for offensive production. That unfortunately has been a theme this year for the Ravens with last week being their highest scoring output so far.

The last two meetings scheduled in 2021 and 2022 were both not held for different reasons. The two NEKL foes will meet for the first time since 2020 when MHMA won 47-12. The Ravens have won the last seven meetings with McLouth’s most recent victory in the series being 2005.

Brandon’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jared’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge

2A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(0-3) Horton at (3-0) Nemaha Central

Horton lost their 10th consecutive game dating back to last season with a 34-24 loss last week at Valley Falls. The Chargers surrendered over 230 rushing yards with the Dragons averaging seven yards per carry in the game. The 24 points scored by Horton, however, were the most points scored in a game since September 20, 2019, when they scored 24 in a loss to Troy.

The Thunder were decisive victors in the trenches in their 26-0 win at Perry-Lecompton last week. They paved the way for Carter Hajek to run 25 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns despite the wet, slick conditions. He also had a touchdown pass to Sam Nordhus in the first quarter. All of Nemaha Central’s points came in the first half. The Thunder’s defense has now pitched back-to-back shutouts and have given up just six points this season.

The Thunder have won all three meetings against the Chargers since 2018. They won the game last season 78-0 and they’ve outscored Horton 186-26 in those three games.

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

(3-0) Sabetha at (2-1) Minneapolis – Sabetha Channel

Sabetha remains #2 in Class 2A according to K-Preps this week after a 50-14 win last week over Jefferson West. The Bluejays led the game 28-14 at halftime and would outscore the Tigers 22-0 in the third. Sabetha got touchdown runs from five different players including two from Colin Menold. The Bluejays added one passing touchdown to Marcus Bauman. Sabetha's defense also got a safety which was their second of the season. 

Minneapolis dropped their first game of the season last week 60-6 at 2A #4 Southeast of Saline. The Lions shutout their first two opponents 59-0 at Republic County in week one and 34-0 against Sacred Heart in week two. Sabetha took care of business last season and beat Minneapolis 39-7.

Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Jared’s Pick: Sabetha

3A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(3-0) Hayden at (1-2) Jefferson West

3A #3 Hayden has a strong resume through the first three weeks which includes a 49-23 win last week over Rossville. The Wildcats have also posted wins of 41-7 at Olpe in week one and 56-7 against Silver Lake in week two. Hayden was one win away from the State Title game last season but lost to Holton 48-17.

Jefferson West beat Hiawatha in week two but lost to 2A #2 Sabetha last week 50-14. The Tigers are in the midst of three straight games against ranked opponents. 2A #2 Sabetha last week, 3A #3 Hayden this week, and 2A #1 Nemaha Central next week.

Hayden is 8-0 against Jefferson West dating back to 2004 and they won the matchup last season 52-14.

Brandon’s Pick: Hayden
Justin’s Pick: Hayden
Jared’s Pick: Hayden

3A DISTRICT 4 – Big 7

(1-2) Holton at (1-2) Perry-Lecompton – Holton Channel

In Holton's first home game of the year, the Wildcats dominated Hiawatha for the initial win of the season. A 34-0 halftime lead turned into a 47-0 advantage going into the fourth quarter before Holton cruised to a 47-14 win. Holton's first-team defense allowed only 15 yards and 1 first down into the third quarter while they ran for 446 yards. Four different players all had at least 60 yards led by quarterback Eli Hallauer who ran for 96 including a 68-yard touchdown. The Cats are getting a bit healthier and now look to build off some confidence heading into district play.

Perry-Lecompton were shutout last week against 2A #1 and the defending state champs Nemaha Central 26-0. The Kaws held the Thunder to their second lowest point total since the end of the 2021 season. The Kaws rushed for just 22 yards on 16 carries against the Thunder. This is now the third straight year that Perry-Lecompton have started 1-2 through the first three games.

Holton is 12-5 against Perry-Lecompton dating back to 2008. The Wildcats have won three straight including last season 49-18.

Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick: Holton
Jared’s Pick: Holton

3A DISTRICT 5 – Non-League

(3-0) Clay Center at (1-2) Hiawatha – Hiawatha Channel

3A #5 Clay Center stayed unbeaten with a 26-13 win last week at Abilene. The Tigers have surrendered a total of 20 points through the first three weeks. They made it all the way to the Sub-State round last year before their season ended with a loss to powerhouse Andale.

Hiawatha struggled last week with a 47-14 loss against Holton. The Redhawks couldn’t get on the board until the fourth quarter. Michael Jensen and Bradyn Newell scored the Redhawk touchdowns, and as a team they finished the game with 121 rushing yards on 32 carries.

Clay Center has won the last three meetings against Hiawatha. 61-0 last season, 35-7 in 2007, and 60-13 in 2006.

Brandon’s Pick: Clay Center
Justin’s Pick: Clay Center
Jared’s Pick: Clay Center

3A DISTRICT 5 – North Central Kansas League

(1-2) Marysville at (0-3) Concordia

Marysville was able to get their first win of the season last week with a 21-8 victory over Chapman. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown in every quarter except the third. Chapman did have some success in the game offensively as they finished with 104 passing yards and 173 rushing yards. This is the fourth straight season that Marysville has dropped at least two of their first three games.

Concordia has dropped seven straight and 10 of their last 11 dating back to last season. They dropped to 0-3 with a 40-6 loss last week at Wamego.

Marysville is 11-8 against Concordia dating back to 2004. The Bulldogs have won four of the last five meetings, including 30-6 last season.

Brandon’s Pick: Marysville
Justin’s Pick: Marysville
Jared’s Pick: Marysville

4A EAST – Meadowlark Conference

(3-0) Atchison at (2-1) KC Schlagle

Atchison continued their offensive onslaught last week with a 77-7 win over KC Harmon. The Phoenix finished the game with 361 yards of total offense including over 200 yards rushing. Jaden Carter finished with 109 yards on just seven carries and the team averaged 12 yards per carry in the game. Atchison had one of the best scoring offenses last season and they’re averaging nearly 63 points per game through the first three this season.

KC Schlagle is off to a 2-1 start, and they got a win at KC Wyandotte last week 28-19. They lost to a strong Highland Park squad in week two 32-26 and beat Harmon in week one 44-0.

Atchison has won back-to-back against Schlagle including 63-14 last season. The two teams have split the last 12 meetings overall since 2010.

Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Jared’s Pick: Atchison

NON-LEAGUE

(1-2) Royal Valley at (1-2) Riley County

Royal Valley was able to get their first win of the season last week 38-16 at Riverside. The Panthers finished the game with 379 rushing yards on 45 carries which is good for over eight yards per carry. Nolan Bausch dominated the game as he led the Panthers with 14 carries and 255 yards and two touchdowns earning him athlete of the week honors. Jaxson Stevens added 59 yards on 19 carries and a score. 

Riley County lost a hard-fought game last week against Rock Creek 14-8. The Falcons lost 40-26 at Silver Lake in week one and beat Rossville on the road in week two 26-20. The Falcons are just 4-9 since the start of last season and that’s after posting a 9-1 campaign in 2021. Riley County won the matchup last season against Royal Valley 39-14.

Brandon’s Pick: Riley County
Justin’s Pick: Riley County
Jared’s Pick: Riley County