2023 Pick Records

Brandon

Last week: 14-5
Overall: 14-5
2022 Record: 172-29

Justin

Last week: 16-3
Overall: 16-3
2022 Record: 174-27

Jared

Last week: 13-6
Overall:  13-6
2022 Record: 154-47

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

KNZA 103.9 & Hiawatha Channel – Jefferson West at Hiawatha
KMZA 92.1 – Onaga at Valley Heights
KAIR 93.7 – Jefferson County North at ACCHS
Holton and Sabetha Channels – Holton at Sabetha
Cobra Channel – Maur Hill-Mount Academy at Jackson Heights

Week 2 Games

NON-LEAGUE (8-MAN)

(0-1) Ell-Saline at (0-1) Hanover  

Ell-Saline lost their first game of the year at home against Moundridge 32-6. They allowed Wildcats’ quarterback Henry Hecox to run for 101 rushing yards and a touchdown along with 148 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Last year, Ell-Saline beat Moundridge by 20 points.

Hanover will hope to bounce back after a disappointing 50-8 blowout loss at Clifton-Clyde. The Wildcats have only lost by significant margins in the recent past. Since October 8th, 2021, all their losses have been by more than 25 points. They also haven’t played many close games in general. In that same time span, they’ve only played in one game that was decided by two possessions or less.

Perhaps that will change this week in what should be a close matchup. The Wildcats bested the Cardinals in Week 2 last year 50-14, which is their only meeting in recent history.

Brandon’s Pick: Ell-Saline
Justin’s Pick: Ell-Saline
Jared’s Pick: Hanover

(0-1) Doniphan West at (0-1) Cair Paravel

Doniphan West will look to bounce back after losing 46-0 at Washington County in week one. The Mustangs had trouble stopping the run as the Tigers rushed for 233 yards and averaged eight yards per carry. Washington County has now won six straight games against the Mustangs and are 10-2 over the last 12 matchups since 2010.

For the second straight season, Cair Paravel gave top ranked Axtell a tough game in the season opener. This time the game was tied going into the fourth quarter, but the Eagles were able to beat Cair Paravel 60-44. Cair Paravel finished the game with 22 first downs and 377 yards of total offense. They had two turnovers and nine penalties that totaled nearly 100 yards.

Cair Paravel won the matchup last season against Doniphan West by a final score of 56-8.

Brandon’s Pick: Cair Paravel
Justin’s Pick: Cair Paravel
Jared’s Pick: Cair Paravel

(1-0) Logan-Palco at (0-1) Linn

Junior quarterback Rhett Kats made a great effort in their 48-18 win at home versus Stockton in Week 1. He threw for four touchdowns on nine completions with 176 yards. Junior Mayson Vahling ran for three touchdowns and 86 yards on 12 carries. Junior wide receiver Kaden Graham hauled in two touchdowns on just three receptions with 54 yards.

Linn held a 38-36 lead at halftime in their 70-56 loss against Lakeside as the Knights outscored the Bulldogs 34-12 in the second half. They look to get back on the right path against a Logan-Palco team they beat down 66-20 last year. Last year’s game is the only recent meeting between these two teams.

Brandon’s Pick: Logan-Palco
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Jared’s Pick: Logan-Palco

(1-0) Axtell at (0-1) Hartford

Axtell quarterback Brandon Schmelzle’s season debut was eventful. He went 6-for-9 with a passing touchdown and 55 passing yards as well as two rushing touchdowns and 92 rushing yards on 22 carries. Schmelzle also ran a kickoff back for a touchdown and had two interceptions on defense. However, he did fumble twice in their 60-44 home win versus Cair Paravel. Eli Broxterman had an efficient day with 9 carries for 95 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Axtell’s defense gave up 22 points in the second and third quarters. CPLS tied the game late in the third quarter and was within one score throughout a good amount of the fourth quarter.

The Hartford Jaguars were blown out on the road against Madison/Hamilton by a final score of 46-0. Last year, they started the season 0-7 before winning their last two games of the season. One of those losses includes a 54-0 loss to Axtell, which is the only meeting between these two schools in recent history.

Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Jared’s Pick: Axtell

TWIN VALLEY LEAGUE (8-MAN)

(1-0) Clifton-Clyde at (1-0) Blue Valley-Randolph

Clifton-Clyde dismantled Hanover last Friday by a final score of 50-8 for their eighth consecutive win in season openers dating back to 2016. They’re hoping the win is a tone setter for the season ahead after a disappointing finish to last season. It was also their second consecutive win against Hanover after losing their last six.

The Rams got an opening week 40-30 victory at home against St. Paul under first year head coach Quinton Cravens. The win is their first season opening win since 2013. Blue Valley avenged their 66-34 blowout loss at St. Paul last season. They are hoping to do the same against Clifton-Clyde, who beat them 48-0 a year ago. That meeting was the first time the two teams had played since 2011. The Eagles have defeated the Rams in their last eight meetings with the last time Blue Valley besting Clifton-Clyde coming in 2004.

Brandon’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Justin’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde
Jared’s Pick: Clifton-Clyde

(1-0) Washington County at (1-0) Frankfort

The Tigers cruised to a 46-0 home win against Doniphan West last week with their prolific ground game being the star of the show. Miles Miller rushed for 115 yards and five touchdowns on just 13 carries. Gavyn LeDuc also had 13 carries and 115 yards. In total, Washington County ball carriers averaged eight yards per carry in their dominant league win.

Wes Anderson led the Frankfort offense to a 38-20 win at Chase County just one year removed from Chase County beating them 60-8 in 2022. Anderson went 22-for-28 with 305 passing yards and five touchdowns. Carter Olson shined with seven receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Trent Hardin and Lane Loiseau also had touchdown receptions and Ty Smith had two interceptions on defense. The series has been back and forth since the turn of the century, but Washington County has a 2-1 advantage this decade with the Tigers winning meetings in 2020 and 2022.

Brandon’s Pick: Frankfort
Justin’s Pick: Frankfort
Jared’s Pick: Frankfort

NON-LEAGUE

(0-1) Valley Falls at (0-1) Troy

The Dragons were only able to muster up 89 yards of total offense against back-to-back NEKL champion ACCHS by a final of 46-16. This includes just 60 combined passing yards from three different players, and less than a yard per carry as a team. The Dragons are now just 2-12 in their last 14 games dating back to 2021.

Troy had a tough time last week dropping their season opener at Wabaunsee 46-28. The Trojans were down 30-12 at halftime and the deficit could not be overcome. Troy finished the game with more yards as they outgained the Chargers 370-352, but they did have two turnovers. Gannon Bowe threw for 224 yards and a score while Jack Hartman led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 10 carries.

Troy has won all six games in the series against Valley Falls dating back to 2004 including last season 63-0. The meeting last year was the first game between the two teams since 2008.

Brandon’s Pick: Troy  
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Jared’s Pick: Troy

TWIN VALLEY LEAGUE

(0-1) Onaga at (0-1) Valley Heights - KMZA 92.1 FM 

The Buffaloes fell to McLouth 30-26 last week, but they had the lead for the majority of the game including a two-possession lead in the first half. McLouth was one of just two victories the Buffs got last season. Onaga has now lost three of their last four season openers and has lost 10 of their last 12 contests dating back to October 2021.

Quarterback Carson Spoonts went 4-for-7 for 37 yards and an interception with most of those yards coming in their last two drives in an 18-16 road loss to Centralia. They mainly kept it on the ground with the senior as he ran for 127 yards a touchdown. After a nearly 1,000-yard season, Jayden DeWalt got just five carries for 25 yards. Last year against Onaga, DeWalt went off for 290 yards and five touchdowns on just 12 carries (24.2 ypc) in just two-and-a-half quarters.

Head coach Cody Trimble said that we should expect more from him this week. The Mustangs have won nine of the last 11 meetings against the Buffaloes dating back to 2004.

Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Jared’s Pick: Valley Heights

BIG 7

(1-0) Nemaha Central at (0-1) Royal Valley

Carter Hajek got the start at quarterback, but it was his rushing attack that made the difference in Nemaha Central’s 31-6 win against Holton last week. He ran for 163 yards on 27 carries (6.0 ypc) for three touchdowns. He also had a passing touchdown to Sam Nordhus on a 30-yard connection. Jonah Deters was a force on defense with five tackles for loss. Last year, the Thunder got up 63-0 at halftime against the Panthers.

Royal Valley dropped a heartbreaker in the opener last week at home against Hiawatha 14-13. The Panthers scored a late touchdown to pull within one, but a crucial penalty pushed back the PAT and they were unable to convert. The Panthers only threw one pass in the game, all the offense was on the ground as they finished with 272 yards and averaged five yards per carry.  Jaxson Stevens led the way with 138 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers have lost six straight to Nemaha Central and have been outscored 296-61 in that stretch. Royal Valley’s last victory against Nemaha Central was in 2011.

Brandon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jared’s Pick: Nemaha Central

(0-1) Jefferson West at (1-0) Hiawatha - KNZA 103.9 FM & Hiawatha Channel 

Jefferson West lost a low-scoring affair in week one to Riverside 13-6. Both teams scored touchdowns in the first half, but the difference was a third quarter touchdown by Riverside’s Ryder Davis. It’s the fourth straight season that the Tigers have lost their season opener.

The Redhawks won their second straight season opener as they held on at Royal Valley last week 14-13. Junior quarterback Bradyn Newell finished the game 7/13 passing for 73 yards.

Hiawatha has won back-to-back games against Jefferson West including last season 20-7. The Tigers beat the Redhawks three straight times from 2018 to 2020. Since 2004, Jefferson West is 13-6 against Hiawatha. 

Brandon’s Pick: Hiawatha  
Justin’s Pick: Hiawatha
Jared’s Pick: Hiawatha

(0-1) Holton at (1-0) Sabetha - Holton & Sabetha Channels 

Holton stumbled out of the gate managing just 161 total yards of offense (all rushing) in their 31-6 defeat at Nemaha Central. Abbott Hundley impressed with 95 yards in his new running back role, but the Wildcats could not finish drives and hurt themselves with 8 penalties. They also lost a couple key starters to injury in what was already an unexperienced and young/small roster. Bouncing back will be tough for Holton facing another top ranked stout opponent this week on the road in Sabetha.

#2 Sabetha showed out in their season opener last week winning at Perry-Lecompton 30-0. The Bluejays boasted one of the top rushing attacks and scoring defenses in the state last season and that carried over into week one. Sabetha finished with 181 rushing yards and averaged five yards per carry. Mitchell Kramer finished 7/10 passing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, both to Marcus Bauman. Sabetha’s defense forced two fumbles, two interceptions, and two turnovers on downs.

Holton has won the last three meetings against Sabetha and are 12-5 against the Bluejays since 2006. Holton won last season 35-14 and they’ve outscored the Bluejays 121-52 in the last three seasons.

Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Jared’s Pick: Sabetha

(0-1) Perry-Lecompton at (1-0) Riverside

Perry-Lecompton had a tough go last week in their season opener as they lost to #2 Sabetha 30-0. The Kaws moved the ball at times but could not get out of their own way. The Kaws eight possessions in the game resulted in two interceptions, two fumbles, two turnovers on downs, one punt, and a safety. Kaws quarterback Tristen Gordan finished the game with 59 passing yards and 47 rushing yards.

Riverside’s defense helped them to a 13-6 win at Jeff West in Week 1. The Cyclones allowed just 44 yards on the ground and only 202 total yards. It was their fourth season-opening win in the last five years. They will hope for more of that this week after giving up more than 300 yards of offense to Perry-Lecompton in their matchup last year. However, they did get close to that mark themselves on offense with 6.2 yards per play.

Perry-Lecompton has won four of the last five meetings with Riverside dating back to 2014 including last season 35-12. Riverside’s last win over Perry-Lecompton was 19-14 back in 2016.

Brandon’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Justin’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton
Jared’s Pick: Perry-Lecompton

NORTHEAST KANSAS LEAGUE

(1-0) Jefferson County North at (1-0) ACCHS - KAIR 93.7 FM 

Jefferson County North was dominant last week defeating Pleasant Ridge in their season opener 62-0. The Chargers scored 22 points in the first quarter and 24 points in the second quarter and never looked back. JCN rushed for 466 yards with Ethan Noll leading the charge with 181 yards and three touchdowns. Grady Noll added 100 yards and a score along with 50 passing yards and another touchdown.

ACCHS, the two-time defending NEKL champs, picked up their seventh straight win over Valley Falls in their opener last week 44-16. The Tigers’ defense held the Dragons to just 89 yards of total offense.

These two teams have played three times since 2010 and ACCHS has won all three times. 52-0 in 2010, 14-6 in 2011, and 14-6 last season.

Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Jared’s Pick: Jefferson County North

(0-1) Horton at (1-0) McLouth

Horton opened their season last week with a 42-6 loss against Jackson Heights. The Chargers kept themselves in the game as they trailed 18-6 at halftime but the Cobras would blank Horton in the second half 24-0. Horton has not won a season opener since 2017.

McLouth won their first season opener since 2014 as they won at Onaga last week 30-26. Onaga led for most of the game, including by two scores in the first half. McLouth would force a pair of crucial fumbles and got a 20+ yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to take the lead and secure the victory.

McLouth is 6-2 against Horton since 2004 but Horton has won the last two in the series. Last season 22-14 and 46-14 in 2017.

Brandon’s Pick: McLouth
Justin’s Pick: McLouth
Jared’s Pick: McLouth

(0-1) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (1-0) Jackson Heights - Cobra Channel 

The Ravens are coming off a less than stellar offensive effort which resulted in a 14-8 loss at home against Oskaloosa. The passing offense was unable to get into a rhythm, but the running game was efficient, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. MHMA had a tough time finding the endzone, though, with the Bears defense clamping down at the right times.

Jackson Heights was able to pull away from Horton in the second half to win their season opener last week 42-6. Sophomore quarterback Drake Mellies was making plays and Kade Holiday scored three touchdowns. The Cobras have now won nine straight season openers.

Jackson Heights have won four of the last five games against the Ravens dating back to 2016. Since 2010, Jackson Heights is 6-5 against Maur Hill-Mount Academy with the Ravens last win in the series in 2019. The Cobras won last season 51-21.

Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Jared’s Pick: Jackson Heights

(0-1) Pleasant Ridge at (1-0) Oskaloosa

The Rams’ defense gave up 466 yards rushing in their 62-0 loss at Jefferson County North in Week 1. That loss extends their losing streak to six games dating to Oct. 1st of last season. This past week was also the sixth straight season they opened their year against JCN.

Coy Perry got a pair of touchdowns in their 14-8 at Maur Hill-Mount Academy on Friday. He had a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown to Trenton VanHouten. Perry finished his day with 22 carries for 76 rushing yards and threw for 56 passing yards on six completions and 11 attempts. His brother Colsen Perry led the defense with three tackles for loss and 12 total tackles. The win was their first season-opening win since 2017, and their first victory over the Ravens since 2013. As for their series versus the Rams, it has also been lopsided in the past.

Pleasant Ridge has won 14 of the last 15 matchups with the lone Bears win coming in 2016. Oskaloosa is hoping they can make it a 2-0 start for the first time since 2017.

Brandon’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Jared’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge

MEADOWLARK CONFERENCE

(1-0) Atchison at (0-1) KC Sumner Academy

Atchison won a high scoring game last week at Ottawa 48-42. The Phoenix scored 35 points in the first half and had to hold off a late Cyclones surge in the second half. Atchison was led by wide receiver Jeter Purdy as he had touchdown receptions of 72, 43, and 14 yards. He also added a 106-yard interception return touchdown.

KC Sumner Academy lost their opener last week at KC Washington 39-20. Atchison has dominated the series against the Sabres since 2010. Atchison has won 11 in a row including last season 47-20. Sumner Academy’s last win over Atchison was back in 2010. 

Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Jared’s Pick: Atchison

NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

(0-1) Marysville at (0-1) Wamego

Marysville scored the first touchdown of the game last week against Abilene, but it wasn’t enough as the Cowboys beat the Bulldogs 28-14. Junior quarterback Will Otott scored both touchdowns for the Bulldogs. Marysville have now lost four straight season openers.

Since 2004, Marysville currently holds a 10-9 edge over Wamego, but the Red Raiders have won the last three meetings including last season 34-7. The Bulldogs won four straight from 2016 to 2019 with their last win being 20-17 in 2019.

Brandon’s Pick: Wamego
Justin’s Pick: Wamego
Jared’s Pick: Wamego

SATURDAY GAME

(1-0) Centralia at (1-0) Christ Prep Academy

The Panthers survived a Week 1 dog fight against Valley Heights by a final score of 18-16. The offense got in a groove in the first half with junior quarterback Jacob Flentie running the show. They went cold in the second half, though, as both teams had three turnover on downs. Flentie finished 4-for-10 with 64 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also led the team in carries with 17 and rushing yards with 88. Senior running back Maveryk Becker also added 16 carries for 77 yards and three catches for 56 receiving yards.

The Patriots go from last year’s senior quarterback TJ Crews to another senior in Ty Thompson. He threw for 142 yards and a touchdown in Christ Prep’s season opening win against Pembroke Hill (MO). Christ Prep’s defense was able to pitch a shutout and snag a pair of interceptions with the final score being 30-0. The only meeting in recent history between these two teams resulted in a 40-0 Centralia win last year.

Brandon’s Pick: Centralia
Justin’s Pick: Centralia
Jared’s Pick: Centralia