2023 Pick Records

Brandon

Last week: 18-3
Overall: 86-12
2022 Record: 172-29

Justin

Last week: 19-2
Overall: 89-9
2022 Record: 174-27

Jared

Last week: 19-2
Overall: 82-16
2022 Record: 154-47

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

KNZA 103.9 FM & Cobra Channel – Troy at Jackson Heights
KMZA 92.1 FM – Axtell at Hanover
KAIR 93.7 FM – Maur Hill-Mount Academy at ACCHS
Sabetha Channel – Riverside at Sabetha
Hiawatha Channel – Hiawatha at Rock Creek
Holton Channel – Rossville at Holton

Week 6 Games

8M-I DISTRICT 5 – Non-League

(4-1) Clifton-Clyde at (4-1) Ell Saline  

The Eagles have won back-to-back games since their lone loss of the season to Axtell in week three. They defeated Lincoln last week 50-22. Clifton-Clyde and Ell Saline are the top two teams in district #5 as both teams are 4-1 overall, 2-0 in district play, and have compiled 42 points.

The Cardinals have won four games in a row since their week one loss to Moundridge. They won last week at Rock Hills 47-0. Clifton-Clyde won the matchup last season over Ell Saline 50-0 which was the first meeting between the two schools since 1995.

Between 1980 and 1995, the two teams played seven times over that span with Clifton-Clyde winning five o those seven games.

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

(2-3) Washington County at (3-2) Lincoln

The Tigers lost a close one at home to Bennington 16-0 last week. The Bulldogs held them to just 55 yards of offense. Freshman Gatlin Willbrant had two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in the loss. The Tigers need to pick up a win somewhere in their three remaining games to have a shot at making the playoffs with Ell-Saline at home next week and Mankato-Rock Hills on the road in Week 8. They currently sit at 0-2 in district play a full game back of fourth place.

The Leopards are in a good spot with one more win putting them in an even better spot at making the playoffs with a possibility of having a home game or two in the postseason. They had their three-game winning streak snapped last week at Clifton-Clyde to put them at 1-1 in district play only behind the Eagles and Ell-Saline.

Washington County and Lincoln have met up just four times with three of those meetings resulting in Washington County wins. Last year was the first time Lincoln won in the series with the Leopards winning 14-6.

Brandon’s Pick: Lincoln
Justin’s Pick: Lincoln
Jared’s Pick: Lincoln

8M-II DISTRICT 3 – TVL

(5-0) Axtell at (3-2) Hanover – KMZA 92.1 FM

Brandon Schmelzle showcased his arm talent last week in their 68-0 dismantling of Blue Valley-Randolph as he threw for career highs in passing yards with 213 and passing touchdowns with five. They have scored 50+ in all five of their wins so far. They have a chance to put a stamp on the district if they can take care of business tonight and next week at Frankfort.

The Wildcats have hit their stride. After losing their first two games, they’ve now won their last three including their largest margin of victory last week in a 48-0 win at Doniphan West. Hanover is now 2-0 in the district with a chance to knock Axtell off the top. After tonight, they finish the season with a game at Linn next week and then a huge home matchup against Frankfort in Week 8.

Axtell has won the last three matchups with the two teams squaring off nine times in the last five years with four playoff meetings.

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

(4-1) Frankfort at (2-3) Blue Valley-Randolph

Frankfort had no problems with putting away last week as they defeated the Bulldogs 55-8. Wes Anderson had four passing touchdowns, Lane Loiseau had three rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, and Brock Armstrong had two receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats are looking to stay atop the district with a 2-0 district record so far. If they win, they will be tied for first place with whoever wins that Axtell-Hanover.

The Rams struggled to contain Axtell as they fell on the road 68-0. They are now currently in a three-way tie with Linn and Doniphan West for fourth place in the district. It’s been a brutal stretch of games for Blue Valley. Before their Axtell loss last week, they lost to Hanover in Week 4. Now, they must face one of the best teams in the state in Frankfort. Thankfully for them, things eased up in the last two games with Doniphan West on the road next week and Linn at home in Week 8.

Frankfort has won nine straight against Blue Valley-Randolph with the Rams’ last win against the Wildcats coming in 2013.

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

(0-5) Doniphan West at (1-4) Linn

Doniphan West continues their struggles in 2023 as they dropped to 0-5 with a 48-0 loss last week at home against Hanover. The Mustangs have scored just 24 points in five games and have been shutout twice. It’s the first time since 2016 that Doniphan West has started a season 0-5 and that season, they finished 2-7 and were competing at the 2A level.

Linn has struggled over their last three games since their lone win of the season in week two against Logan-Palco. The Bulldogs lost at Frankfort last week 55-8. Linn has been outscored 159-44 in their last three games in losses to Washington County, Axtell, and Frankfort.

This will be the fourth meeting between Doniphan West and Linn. Linn won the matchup last season 52-24 while the Mustangs beat the Bulldogs in both 2019 and 2018. These two are currently the bottom two teams in district #3.

Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Jared’s Pick: Linn

1A DISTRICT 3 – Non-League

(1-4) Oskaloosa at (2-3) Mission Valley

The Bears have now dropped four in a row after their season opening win at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. Last week’s 66-0 home loss to Jefferson County North was their largest loss since they lost 96-0 at Silver Lake on September 25th, 2020. They will hope to rebound this week with the Bears still having an opportunity to make the playoffs. They are tied with Valley Falls at 0-2 in the district.

The Vikings lost a tight one at McLouth last week by a final of 26-21. Now they stand at 1-1 and have a point tiebreaker against the Bulldogs with Mission Valley at +16 and McLouth at -16. However, after this week, their two remaining games are against the two teams that are tied atop the district with a road game against St. Mary’s next week and Week 8 home season finale against Jefferson County North.

Oskaloosa has never beaten Mission Valley, though they have only met three times. This will be the fourth year in a row teams will play against each other. Last year, the Vikings won handily 42-7.

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

(2-3) St. Marys at (5-0) Jefferson County North

The defending 1A state champs in St. Marys have played much better over the last couple of weeks since starting the season 0-3. They beat Oskaloosa in week four 57-6 and beat Valley Falls last week 60-6. The Bears were the first 1A team to start a season 0-3 after winning the state title in the previous season.

The Chargers are 5-0 to start a season for the first time since 2017 and that season, they finished 10-1. JCN walloped Oskaloosa last week on the road 66-0. 60 of those 66 points were scored in the first half which forced a running clock in the second half. The Chargers defense at one point in the game scored touchdowns on four straight drives with three interception returns and a fumble return.

These two teams are the lone undefeated squads left in District #3 with the winner in the driver’s seat for the district championship. The Bears won the meeting last season 45-0.

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

1A DISTRICT 3 – NEKL

(4-1) McLouth at (1-4) Valley Falls

The Bulldogs continued their historic season with another win last week with this one being a 26-21 home win against a solid Mission Valley team. They secured their best five-game start to a season since 2012. A win today gives them their first .500 or better season since 2018. It would also almost guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. They have Oskaloosa on the road next week and a home game versus St. Mary’s to finish their season.

The Dragons struggled with reigning 1A state champion St. Mary’s on the road last week losing 60-6. The 54-point deficit is their worst loss since their 60-0 first round playoff loss against Little River in 2021. It was another rough day at the office for Zac Evans who threw three interceptions. However, he had seven completions and averaged 18.4 yards per completion with a touchdown to sophomore Grant Meyer. Valley Falls is running out of chances to make the playoffs. They are at JCN next week but finish off the season with a home game against Oskaloosa.

Last year, McLouth’s win over Valley Falls snapped a losing streak that spanned over three seasons. The Bulldogs have won the last four meetings in this longtime rivalry that dates all the way back to 1922.

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

1A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(2-3) Troy at (4-1) Jackson Heights – KNZA 103.9 & Cobra Channel

Troy bounced back in a big way last week after back-to-back losses to Valley Heights and Centralia with a 60-14 non-district win at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. The Trojans finished the game with over 370 yards of offense including 272 in the air. Gannan Bowe completed 10 of 16 passes for 241 yards as the Trojans led the game 54-0 at halftime.

Jackson Heights suffered their first loss of the season last week 48-12 at #2 Centralia. The Cobras lost some possessions early in the game with turnover on downs and couldn’t consistently stop the Panthers offense. Quarterback Drake Mellies finished with 126 yards on 25 carries with most of the yardage coming on a big touchdown run late in the game.

Troy is 8-4 against Jackson Heights since 2004 with the Trojans winning the matchup last season 32-0. Jackson Heights had won four straight in the series prior to that game last season.  

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

2A DISTRICT 3 – Non-League

(2-3) Pleasant Ridge at (4-1) Silver Lake

Pleasant Ridge couldn’t get much going on offense last week in a 30-6 loss to ACCHS. The Rams have alternated games this season and have gone loss-win-loss-win-loss. The Rams, ACCHS, and Rossville enter week six all at 1-1 in district play with Silver Lake the lone unbeaten left.

The Eagles control their own destiny to winning a district title if they can win out the rest of the way. Silver Lake won their third consecutive game last week defeating Rossville 42-28. The only loss for Silver Lake this season was back in week two against 3A #3 Topeka Hayden.

Pleasant Ridge hasn’t had much luck against Silver Lake as they are 0-8 against the Eagles dating back to 2010. Silver Lake dominated the game last season 41-6.

Brandon’s Pick: Silver Lake
Justin’s Pick: Silver Lake
Jared’s Pick: Silver Lake

2A DISTRICT 3 – NEKL

(0-5) Maur Hill-Mount Academy at (3-2) ACCHS – KAIR 93.7 FM

It was another rough go for the Ravens last week with a 60-14 home loss to Troy last week. That loss clinched back-to-back seasons with five or more losses for the first time since 2012 and 2013. Their schedule doesn’t lighten up either with Silver Lake at home next week and Rossville on the road in their season finale.

ACCHS bounced back in a big way last week after losing by 70 to Rossville in week four. The Tigers beat Pleasant Ridge for their first district win 30-8. The Tigers did all their damage last week on the ground as they finished with 315 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry.

The Tigers and Ravens have played 17 times since 2006 with ACCHS holding the edge at 10-7. The Tigers have won the last two meetings with a 54-10 win last season and 42-29 win in 2021. The Ravens last beat ACCHS in 2020 and that final was 53-6.

Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: ACCHS
Jared’s Pick: ACCHS

2A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(0-5) Horton at (2-3) Riley County

Horton is in danger of potentially finishing 2023 winless with their last three games coming against challenging opponents starting with Riley County this week. They’ll finish the regular season with home games against Sabetha and week seven and Wabaunsee in week eight. Last week they lost at home to Minneapolis 49-0.

Riley County’s Eli Harmison threw for nearly 240 yards last week, but the Falcons couldn’t find the endzone more than one time in their 27-6 loss at #2 Sabetha. They were down 14-0 at halftime and couldn’t get their lone score until late in the fourth quarter on a run by Harmison.

The Falcons took care of business and won the game last season against the Chargers 44-3 in what appeared to be the first ever meeting between the two schools.

Brandon’s Pick: Riley County
Justin’s Pick: Riley County
Jared’s Pick: Riley County

(5-0) Nemaha Central at (3-2) Minneapolis

Carter Hajek now has back-to-back six-touchdown games after the Thunder defeated Jefferson West 46-0 at home. They put their 18-game winning streak back to the test in hopes of catching Sabetha in the district standings. The Thunder are currently 1-0 in district play and Sabetha is 2-0. The two Big 7 foes are on a collision course for a possible district-deciding game in Week 8 just like last season.

Sophomore quarter Owen Just was efficient in their 49-0 win over Horton last week. He went 9-for-13 with 169 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. The Lions are in a solid position to make the playoffs with a district record of 1-1 putting them at third place.

Last year was the first ever meeting between Minneapolis and Nemaha Central. The Thunder handily won 56-0.

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

3A DISTRICT 4 – Non-League

(5-0) Hayden at (1-4) Royal Valley

Hayden has consistently been ranked #3 in Class 3A this season and have been dominate to this point. They shut out Perry-Lecompton last week 27-0 which was their second consecutive shutout. The Wildcats are averaging over 47 points per game while allowing less than eight points per game.

The Panthers have now dropped back-to-back games since their lone win of the season in week three against Riverside. They lost at Holton last week 34-9. Holton returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and never looked back as they led the game 34-3 going into the fourth quarter.

Hayden has dominated Royal Valley since 2004, winning all nine games by an average score of 42-6. Royal Valley hasn’t scored more than 16 points in a game against Hayden in that stretch with the Wildcats posting shutouts in five of those nine games.

Brandon’s Pick: Hayden
Justin’s Pick: Hayden
Jared’s Pick: Hayden

3A DISTRICT 4 – Big 7

(1-4) Jefferson West at (1-4) Perry-Lecompton

Jefferson West lost their third consecutive game last week as 2A #1 Nemaha Central dominated the game 46-0. The Tigers had arguably one of the most difficult three game stretches in the state. 2A #2 Sabetha in week three, 3A #3 Topeka Hayden in week four, and 2A #1 and defending state champs Nemaha Central last week.

Perry-Lecompton lost their third consecutive game last week as they were shut out against 3A #3 Topeka Hayden 27-0. Certainly, some positives for the Kaws defensively in that game as Hayden had scored at least 41 points in each of their first four games. The Kaws struggles have been on the offensive side of the ball as they’re averaging just 6.4 points per game and have been shut out in three of their five games.

The Kaws have won the last three meetings against Jefferson West including last season 56-7. The Tigers last win over the Kaws was 8-3 back in 2019. Since 2006, Perry-Lecompton is 8-5 against Jefferson West.

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

3A DISTRICT 5 – Non-League

(1-4) Hiawatha at (3-2) Rock Creek – Hiawatha Channel

The Redhawks continue to struggle since their week one win against Royal Valley. Hiawatha dropped their fourth straight game last week 49-0 at home against Concordia. Hiawatha is scoring just 11 points per game while the defense has surrendered 47, 75, and 49 points in their last three games.

Rock Creek is coming off a nice win last week over Marysville 30-21. The Mustangs’ only two losses this season have come against Silver Lake and Southeast of Saline. Silver Lake is 4-1 and Southeast of Saline is 5-0 and one of the top ranked teams in 2A.

This will be the fourth straight year that Rock Creek and Hiawatha match up. Rock Creek has dominated the series winning 70-20 last season, 48-0 in 2021, and 51-12 in 2020.

Brandon’s Pick: Rock Creek
Justin’s Pick: Rock Creek
Jared’s Pick: Rock Creek

NON-DISTRICT – Non-League

(2-3) Marysville at (4-1) Valley Heights

Marysville fought tough with a very good Rock Creek team losing at home 30-21. The Bulldogs’ offense hasn’t had a chance to break through for a good game yet this season. They have yet to surpass 23 points in a game this year, but they have scored at least 20 points in each of the last three contests. Head coach Tony Trimble is hoping to beat Valley Heights for the second consecutive season.

The Mustangs accomplished their first four-game winning streak since Tony Trimble was the head coach of Valley Heights back in 2020. As for current head coach Cody Trimble, Tony’s son, he is hoping to establish his own legacy and get the school to .500 or better for the first time since 2020. They are coming off a 38-15 win at Sacred Heart. Jayden DeWalt shined per usual with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries. Carson Spoonts added two passing touchdowns and had two defensive interceptions.

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

(0-4) Onaga at (4-1) Christ Prep

The Buffaloes had two weeks to prepare for Riverside, but they were unfortunately unable to capitalize as they fell 32-6 at Riverside. Their offensive output has continued to decline since the start of the season when they scored 26 points against McLouth. Since then, they have scored 16 points in Week 2 and now six points in their previous two contests.

The Patriots are not a KSHSAA-sanctioned football program, but they have played this year playing various Missouri and Oklahoma schools with a KSHSAA team on occasion. This will be their second game against a KSHSAA opponent with the first being a Week 2 home loss against Centralia.

These two teams have met three times in the past with Onaga hoping to win their first game against the Pats since 2011.

Brandon’s Pick: Christ Prep
Justin’s Pick: Christ Prep
Jared’s Pick: Christ Prep

(2-3) Rossville at (3-2) Holton – Holton Channel

Holton won their third straight game and improved to 2-0 in district play by thumping Royal Valley 34-9 last week. Eli Hallauer returned the opening kick 90 yards for a touchdown to start homecoming night and it was 34-3 until the final minute of the game. Kyler Jackson ran for 104 yards while Abbott Hundley added 95 and Holton had five different players score touchdowns and rush for more than 45 yards. The Wildcats are now averaging more than 285 yards per game on the ground, led by Hundley with 455 yards rushing from the wishbone this season.

Rossville is a potential trap game with a huge district showdown looming next week at Hayden. However, Holton won 48-17 a year ago when the schools met for the first time since 1995. This year, Rossville is 2-3 on the season and coming off a 42-28 loss against Mid-East League rival Rossville in the war on 24.

The Bulldogs are led by senior Camden Horak who has thrown for 1,098 yards and also leads the team with 287 yards rushing while accounting for 16 total touchdowns. He is also the only senior that has touched the ball on offense this year for Rossville. Tayson Horak is the leading target in the spread attack with 22 receptions for 342 yards.

Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick: Holton
Jared’s Pick: Rossville

(4-1) Garden Plain at (5-0) Centralia

The Owls have been formidable this season with their lone loss coming against 3A #2 Cheney. After 21 points or less in their first three games, their offense has found their stride scoring 40+ in each of their last two games.

Maveryk Becker had a sensational performance in their 48-12 win against Jackson Heights last week getting over 100 yards rushing and receiving with four total touchdowns. Jacob Flentie was injured early in the fourth quarter, and head coach Roger Holthaus said his year sadly is over. It will be freshman Quentin Alderfer taking over the reins of the offense this week. He led the Panthers to a pair of touchdowns in Flentie’s absence.

These teams met up last year for the first time with the Panthers winning 28-13.

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

NON-DISTRICT – Big 7

(2-3) Riverside at (5-0) Sabetha – Sabetha Channel

The Cyclones were able to hold off Onaga last week in a 32-6 victory to give them their first win since Week 1, snapping a three-game losing streak. Their 32 points is the first time the Cyclones have scored more than two touchdowns in a game this season. It’s also the most points they’ve gotten since Week 5 last year which was also against Onaga. It was just the sixth time that Riverside has scored more than 30 points in the last four seasons.

#2 Sabetha dispatched Riley County last week for a district win 27-6 to improve to 5-0. The Bluejays ran over 70 plays on offense and compiled 339 yards with most of that damage in the rushing department. Colin Menold, Chase Frey, and Aidan Lang each scored a rushing touchdown while Mitchel Kramer threw a touchdown pass to Marcus Bauman for the final score in the fourth quarter. The Bluejays have outscored their opponents 159-54 this season.

Sabetha has controlled the series against Riverside dating back to 2012 as the Bluejays have won 11 straight against the Cyclones. The Bluejays are scoring 42 points per game in that stretch and allowing only six points per game to Riverside in that stretch. Sabetha won the game last season 56-0.

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

MEADOWLARK CONFERENCE

(6-0) Atchison 64 at (4-2) Highland Park 8 – THURSDAY NIGHT