Independence (0-6) @ Towanda-Circle (1-5)
This game would be the easy storyline of “who gets their first win of the season!?” but Towanda-Circle ended their LONG drought against Rose Hill in a 14-13 ballgame. I looked at each team’s losses and what they were averaging on offense and defense. For Independence in their 6 losses they are averaging 8 offensive points per game and giving up 48 defensive points per game. For Circle in their 5 losses they are averaging 6 offensive points per game and giving up 26 defensive points per game. Independence has taken on much more quality opponents so far this season. Don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs pick up their first win of the season in a nail-biter.
Bolivar, MO @ Fort Scott (4-2)
Fort Scott is the 2018 SEK League Champions. After close games with Labette County and Chanute (and also non-league game against Pittsburg), it appears Bob Campbell and the Tigers are back on track after a lopsided loss early in the season against Paola. The Tigers are welcoming an out of state opponent in Bolivar where the play in football in a bit rougher and harder hitting. This will be an excellent tune up game for the Tigers with the playoffs looming.
Pittsburg (5-1) @ Olathe East (2-4)
Pittsburg suffered their first loss of the season at home against Mill Valley last week. Like the Purple Dragons have done all year long they are taking on a bigger opponent 1, if not 2, classifications higher. Olathe East lost earlier this season to Gardner-Edgerton 27-21 and in overtime to Shawnee Mission North 40-39. Pittsburg is continuing to build it’s case as to why it should be considered a favorite to come out of the 4A East and this week’s game could be a huge resume builder for them to cast aside the doubters.
Ulysses (2-3) @ LCHS (3-3)
Ulysses had an off week last week. Not. They literally had an off week. They will need it with the travel to Altamont. It’s a 6 hour car ride according to Google. Throw in a bus full of young men and football equipment and it’s probably more like a 7 hour bus trip. The Tigers are averaging 23 points per game and giving up an average of 30 points per game and have lost to Pittsburg and Scott City, both quality opponents. LCHS lost a back and forth game against Wellington and have now dropped 2 in a row for the first time since 2016. Easton Dean comes in the to the game 5th in the state in passing with 1364 yards. The Grizzlies will need to play their best game of the year to snap their current losing streak.
Chanute (4-2) @ Coffeyville (2-4)
To quote a late, great comedian “I can’t get no respect.” I’m sure that can be applied to both the Blue Comets and Golden Tornado. Both teams feature players that are leading the league in scoring with Coffeyville’s Jaylen Logan leading all teams with 10 touchdowns and scoring on 4 two point conversions. Trey Myrie is closely behind him with 26 points accounted for with 4 touchdowns. For the Blue Comets kicker (!) Jacob Adams is on the scoring list with 20 extra points scored and 2 field goals. Quarterback Ty Bowman also has found the endzone their fair share of times. This should be a fun game from start to finish because you can never count either of these teams out.
Parsons (5-1, 2-1) @ Caney Valley (5-1, 2-1)
Montgomery County has all the good games this week it seems. Another fun one, with HUGE district implications is the Vikings and Bullpups. Both programs feature quality student athletes from our area. Both are well coached. The finesse of Parsons against the strength of Caney Valley. Parsons defense has been vastly underrated. While the offense grabs the headlines, it’s been the defense that’s quietly keeping teams in check. They will need another stellar performance against a gritty Caney Valley team that will smash right into you without fear. Once again, another fun game that should be on the list of considerations for a wandering fan to attend.