Chanute (2-1, +13) @ Ottawa (0-3, -39)
The good news for Chanute is they continued their 30 year streak in defeating Iola (TBF, they haven’t played Iola each year in that span). The bad news? The Blue Comets still haven’t found an answer to remedy their slow start. In fact, the Blue Comets only held a slim lead at half and it was the Mustangs who struck first. They are going to need to find a remedy to this problem if they want to host a playoff game in 5 (!) weeks. Ottawa comes in being outscored 20-143. Their defense gave up 59 points to Paola last week. While Chanute’s offense doesn’t have as many weapons as Paola, this may be what the doctor ordered to for the Blue Comet’s slow offensive start.
Independence (0-3, -39) @ Coffeyville (1-2, -9)
Looking at just the records and the schedules these 2 teams have had to start the season it would be easy to pick Coffeyville if this was any ordinary game. This isn’t. This is the Montgomery County rivalry. These are 2 towns who are bitter rivals. This is one that pits families against each other when these 2 teams meet. Last week Coffeyville put up 226 yards on the ground against Fort Scott, but turned it over 5 times. Coffeyville once again played from behind, and almost caught, their opponents late. I hate to be cliche (ok that’s a lie), but throw out the records and stats and trends. This is going to be a fun SEK rivalry game.
Winfield (1-2, -30) @ Labette County (2-1, +13)
“#AngryRed” was back in full force against Coffeyville. The Labette County Grizzly offense posted a season high 324 yards passing and 168 yards rushing. Winfield’s defense shut out the Towanda-Circle last week, who has lost 56 of their last 58 game. Winfield lost a close game to Ark City in week 1 and the lost in a lopsided game to a typically good McPherson program. Which Winfield team will come to Lucas Field is the biggest question mark for the Vikings, but if the #AngryRed defense can match last week’s performance of their offensive counterpart than it could be a much needed +13 for LCHS.
Fort Scott (2-1, +9) @ Pittsburg (3-0, +29)
Fort Scott got a much needed break in the schedule, overpowering Independence last week. That breather will be short lived when they make the short travel to Hutchinson Field Friday night. The Purple Dragons are riding a wave of momentum after last week’s big win over defending 6A state champion Blue Valley. Fort Scott had their worst performance in not only the season but in the series against Paola. This is a redemption game of sorts for Bob Campbell and the Tigers. A chance to prove that the game against Paola was an off night. For Pittsburg this is a chance to continue to erase any doubt that this is their year to go deep in the playoffs.
Parsons (3-0, 0-0) @ Baxter Springs (1-2, 0-0)
Parsons continues to be the talk of the SEK region. They will face off against a team for the first time this season that has won a game (previous opponents are now a combined 0-9). It’s also the start of districts for the Vikings that feature a tough Frontenac, Galena and Caney Valley teams. Baxters’ 2 losses come to teams that are a combined 5-1. The Vikings will need another highlight reel performance from Dariq Williams, Daquan Johnson, Gage Friess and even someone who has been lost in the sky full of stars on this talented team to move to 1-0 to start districts.
(Author’s note: Don’t forget you can always keep up with the latest standings in the playoffs for area teams we cover by visiting our Football Playoffs page)