Class 2A playoffs
Humboldt vs. West Franklin
Humboldt sprints into the playoffs with an 8-0 record without playing a close game after 1 quarter of play . They have dominated every team on their regular season schedule in every facet of the game. Led by senior Dagen Goodner and junior Conor Haviland on offense. And seniors Tucker Hurst , Watts, and Goodner on defense. I believe the Cubs are a real contender for a state title. I have never seen a Humboldt football team that I could say that about.
West Franklin is a 4-4 team out of the Flint Hills league. The Falcons have taken the fourth seed out of district 2 and will play on the road . Their wins are against two 1A schools with a combined 5-11 records. They also have a forfeit victory from Oskaloosa and a big 63-0 win over Central Heights to get the last playoff spot in their district. West Franklin does have a couple players sure to get the coaching staff of Humboldt’s attention with quarterback Clayton Noyons and running back Brayden Singer. The Falcons like to run an option style offense much like Jayhawk Linn.
The Cubs shouldn’t have much of a problem in week 1 of the state playoffs.
Osage City vs. Southeast Cherokee
Osage City is a very talented 7-1 squad that plays in the Flint Hills league. Their only hiccup coming from the hands of state title contender 8-0 Silver Lake 26-48 in district play. The Indians have dominated every other team it has encountered . 5’4″ quarterback Trenton Plinsky is no joke when on the gridiron. I had the pleasure of watching him play as a wide receiver a year ago in the playoffs against Caney Valley. He is having a tremendous season running and throwing the football.
Southeast Cherokee will play its first round match up on the road after finishing third in district 1 going 2-3. They come in with a 4-4 overall record after snapping a 28 game losing streak dating back to 2014-15 season. The Lancers are on a two game losing streak after defeats by undefeated Humboldt and a 2-6 Riverton team. Southeast has a 2018 season that they can hopefully build on .
Osage City should have this game wrapped up by halftime
Silver Lake vs. Riverton
Silver Lake is one of the eight teams that I believe have a legitimate shot at the 2A state title. They are 8-0 and have demolished every opponent thus far. The Eagles have played a somewhat of a tough schedule. With wins over 2A powers Rossville and Riley County . Their last big win was in district play over Osage City.
When you get the last spot in your district to go to the playoffs the odds are you will have to play a really good team in the first round. But having to go to Silver Lake just doesn’t seem fair. The Rams completed regular season play with a 2-6 record , all coming in district 1 play. They will need a lot to go their way early in this contest for it to even be close . This will be a good experience for the Rams no matter the outcome. They have the opportunity to play the best and should cherish the moment.
Jayhawk Linn vs. McLouth
Jayhawk Linn didn’t win the Three Rivers league for the first time since 2015. After losing 73-0 to Humboldt at home the Jayhawks have won four straight games to take second place in district 1. A home game is huge for them especially with this match up. They will have a slight advantage because of home field in the first round. Quarterback Hayden Broyles and the Jayhawk offense will need to be on their A game and the defense must capitalize on any mistakes McLouth makes. Jayhawk Linn finished the regular season 6-2 and only lost one district game.
McLouth is a 4-4 team that finished third in district 2. They don’t have any big wins really to speak of . The Bulldogs beat a 2-6 1A team early in the season and were victorious against West Franklin , Central Heights , and Oskaloosa . McLouth does play in a tough Northeast Kansas league with teams such as Muar Hill and Pleasant Ridge.
Jayhawk Linn has a good chance to move on to the second round and would have to probably play Silver Lake
Conway Springs vs. Eureka
Conway Springs is 8-0 and is another one of the teams that could actually be standing at the top at seasons end. 18-1 in their last 19 games . They were the 2011 3A state champions . The Cardinals are the meaning of powerhouse when it comes to football. They are in the state championship contention year after year. In 2018 they have key wins over 3A Kingman and 2A Hutchinson Trinity and Chaparrel .
The Tornadoes haven’t had much go their way since late June when the tornado ripped through Eureka. But I still haven’t heard them complain about it . First year head coach Jason Nichols has been upbeat all year in just trying to teach his young men how to be winners. Making the playoffs is a good start . After winning a must win game at Cherryvale a week ago they were able to wrap the last spot in district 5. Senior quarterback Cade Burden has had a nice season throwing the pigskin to Zach Hare. Hare has 31 receptions for 663 yards and six touchdowns in 2018.
Conway will advance with a big margin in this victory
Fredonia vs. Chaparral
The Yellow Jackets have stumbled into week 9 after losing two straight games . Just two weeks ago they were playing for a district 5 championship which they led at halftime 21-14. Because of their 28-23 win earlier in district play against Belle Plain they ended up with the second seed and a home playoff game. When Fredonia gets Owen Blandamer rolling they seem to put points up on the scoreboard . But after watching their game against Douglass I believe they need to get all three running backs going to keep the defense guessing to who and where the ball is coming from. Fredonia is coming in with a 5-3 record and a 3-2 district record. It really didn’t matter what spot your team ended up with in district 5 because they are matched up with district 6 . The toughest district in my opinion in class 2A
Chaparral is 6-2 and plays in the Central Plains league. The Roadrunners finished third in the states toughest 2a district with Conway Springs and Hutchinson Trinity . They have big wins against 3A Kingman and district opponent Garden Plain. After winning their first 6 games to start the season they have lost two straight. Quarterback J. Burke has thrown for over a 1,000 yards on the season to go with 18 touchdown passes. He also leads the team in rushing yards with over 785 and 13 rushing touchdowns. Can you say duel threat?
The Roadrunners should win big in Fredonia Friday night.