The Kansas high school state football playoffs roll on as we are now down to the state quarterfinals in all 11-man classes and the state semifinals in the 8-man classes.
In Class 6A, the only change to the Kpreps Top 5 Rankings comes in at No. 5 where Derby enters the poll after rallying from a 14-0 deficit to beat previously fifth-ranked Wichita Northwest. The Panthers lost their starter and back-up quarterback in the game, but sophomore Jeremy Dunham came in and accounted for two touchdowns as Derby advanced.
At the top of the 6A poll, Wichita Heights and Manhattan rolled to shutout victories, and Olathe South and Olathe East both defeated league rivals for the second time this season to advance.
In Class 5A, top-ranked Blue Valley – Stilwell and second-ranked Bishop Miege both rolled to first round wins. The Tigers and Stags will face off in a second-round showdown that appears to come a week too early due to the seeding system that focuses on ensuring schools from the same district cannot meet before the state semifinals.
Gardner-Edgerton re-enters the 5A Top 5 at No. 5 after dismantling Bonner Springs, 76-40. Bishop Carroll and Hutchinson stay put at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively after posting first-round wins.
Topeka Hayden remains atop the Class 4A poll, but that’s where the stability ends. Rose Hill’s win over then second-ranked Holton propels the Rockets to No. 3, while Buhler is up one spot to No. 2. Entering the rankings at No. 4 is Paola after the Panthers have been impressive since an 18-10 mid-season loss to the new No. 5 Eudora. The Cardinals enter the rankings after knocking out previously fifth-ranked Basehor-Linwood, 28-21.
In Class 3A, the stage is set for a major showdown this week as top-ranked Scott City will travel to No. 2 Conway Springs. The Beavers rolled past then-No. 4 Smith Center, while Conway Springs eliminated fifth-ranked Sedgwick. Silver Lake remains at No. 3 this week, while Garden Plain re-enters the rankings at No. 4 after edging Wichita Collegiate 18-15. Unbeaten Caney Valley makes its first appearance in the rankings after outscoring its first two playoff opponents 108-0.
The Class 2-1A Top 5 remained intact as only fifth-ranked Stanton County played a close game. The Trojans scored on fourth-and-goal with 16 seconds left to slip past Ellis, 35-34. This week, the Trojans will host fourth-ranked Plainville; while No. 1 Meade hosts No. 3 LaCrosse in one of the state’s top games.
Eight-Man Division I is down to the final four teams as top-ranked Madison will host No. 2 Lakeside-Downs in what should be a great match-up. Lakeside is up to No. 2 this week after beating former No. 2 Lebo on Tuesday, 48-20. The Wolves fell to No. 5 in this week’s poll after ending their season at 8-2.
South Gray is up to No. 3 this week after posting big wins over Pretty Prairie and Central Plains thanks to their dynamic backfield duo of Coulter Croft and Wyatt Slaven. The Rebels will travel to Osborne this week to take on the No. 4 Bulldogs. Osborne contains a great backfield of their own with the speedy Damon Schurr and Ethan Slothower.
Top-ranked Baileyville B&B remains unbeaten in Eight-Man, Division II after wins over Linn and South Barber last week. The Falcons will now travel to No. 4 South Haven – winners over Centre-Lost Springs and Hope in the first two rounds.
Thunder Ridge remains at No. 2 after squeaking by Ashland with a late touchdown, 32-28. The Longhorns will travel to No. 3 Otis-Bison for a rematch with the Cougars. Thunder Ridge won the earlier meeting, 44-18. Ashland finished its season at 9-1 and remains at No. 5 in the poll.
Check out the Kpreps Rankings page for a complete list of the Top 5 in each classification.
Use your Facebook account to add a comment or start a discussion. Posts are subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment.
