South Central, the defending state champion, remains the top team in the Division I rankings. The Timberwolves defeated Meade, 52-18, and pushed its winning streak to 14 games. Last year, South Central beat Meade, 48-6, in its closest regular season game of the year. The Timberwolves led 6-0 after the first quarter and 28-12 at halftime in a game that ended in the third quarter. Returning quarterback Easton Huck posted 12 of 17 passing for 179 yards and two scores, along with 13 carries for 93 yards and four touchdowns.
Next: vs. Reno County Homeschool (0-1)
Lincoln bumps up two spots after season-opening losses by No. 2 WaKeeney-Trego and No. 3 Oberlin-Decatur Co. The defending state runner-up Leopards won, 60-12, at Lakeside-Downs. Lincoln opened the game with a long flea-flicker touchdown pass from Jeremiah Miller to Xavier Miller. Benjamin Bell rushed for two touchdowns and added three touchdown receptions in the win. The Leopards won back-to-back season openers for the first time since 2020-21.
Next: vs. Pike Valley (1-0)
Leoti-Wichita County moved up a pair of positions after the losses by WaKeeney-Trego and Oberlin-Decatur Community. Wichita County rolled over Greeley County, 52-6., holding the Jackrabbits to 68 yards of total offense. The Indians had lost the last two season openers, both to Colorado-power Haxtun. Wichita County will host 8-Man newcomer Oakley this week.
Next: vs. Oakley (0-1)
Central Plains enjoyed a key 28-18 road victory against Central Prairie League rival Victoria and moves into the poll. The Knights were the two-time defending Division II state runners-up and opened fourth ranked in Division II. Central Plains ended a seven-year losing streak to Victoria. The Oilers also gave Victoria its first home regular season loss since a 42-40 defeat to WaKeeney in Week 3 of 2021. Keeton Robison ran for two scores and Brodie Crites passed for a touchdown, per Russell Radio. Victoria was up 12-6, but Central Plains scored on a 14-yard Crites run as time expired at halftime. Victoria had just 13 players suited up and several others couldn’t finish the contest, including star running back Weston Scherrer. Central Plains outgained the Knights, 271-150.
Next: vs. Ell-Saline (0-1)
Hill City enjoyed one of the top performances across all classes with a 38-32 road win versus WaKeeney-Trego, then ranked second in Division I. Last year, Hill City finished second in the final poll, though took major graduation losses, especially at quarterback. The Ringnecks lost, 30-20, to WaKeeney to open last season, though beat the Golden Eagles in the state quarterfinals. Trego led 14-12 after the first quarter, though Hill City had a 26-20 advantage at halftime, and 38-26 following three quarters. Chase Bell stepped up in his first start at quarterback with six of nine passing for 123 yards and three scores. Slade Rohr tallied 21 carries for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Jaxson Smith recorded four catches for 84 yards and two scores. Hill City forced two turnovers at critical junctures – one with a minute left in the first half and another on Trego’s last drive.
Next: vs. Sharon Springs-Wallace Co. (0-0)Others Considered: Atwood-Rawlins Co. (1-0), Cedar Vale-Dexter (1-0), Chase County (1-0), Clifton-Clyde (1-0), Hoxie (1-0), Kiowa County (1-0), Oberlin-Decatur Co. (0-1), Oswego (1-0), South Sumner Co. (1-0), Southeast-Cherokee (1-0), WaKeeney-Trego (0-1)
Last updated: September 07, 2026 - 01:36 pm
