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Week 2 of the high school football season is here and we got another Friday Night Fever heading your way with previews and predictions for our area teams!
2025 Pick Records
Brandon
Last week: 12-6
Overall: 12-6
2024 Record: 153-32
Justin
Last week: 14-4
Overall: 14-4
2024 Record: 158-26
Kryndon
Last week: 7-11
Overall: 7-11
2024 Record: 145-40
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Silver Lake at Nemaha Central – 103.9 KNZA & Silver Lake Channel
KC Harmon at Atchison – KAIR 93.7
Riley County at Holton – Holton Channel
Sabetha at Perry-Lecompton – Sabetha Channel
Jackson Heights at Maur Hill-Mount Academy – Cobra Channel
Marysville at Hiawatha – Hiawatha Channel
Week 2 Games
Twin Valley League
(1-0) Axtell at (1-0) Washington County
The Axtell Eagles opened the 2025 season with their 53rd consecutive victory. The campaign for the 5-peat couldn’t have been any more of an electrifying start than a dominating 52-6 win over the Linn Bulldogs. Landon Schmitz set the tone with an opening kickoff for 70 yards to score, while he also accounted for a total of four touchdowns. Wyatt Detweiler had five touchdowns in the game for Axtell as the new general behind the offense. In total, the Eagles only ran twelve plays, combining for 140 yards, all from the ground. It was the 11th straight win for Axtell over Linn dating back to 2006, with the Eagles now leading the series since 1980, 22-3.
The Washington County Tigers surprised everyone last Friday with a big win over the Blue Valley-Randolph Rams 52-28, a major flip from last year’s 42-14 score, where the Tigers lost. It was the first regular season win and league win for the Tigers since 2023, when Washington County beat Linn 48-30.
Last year’s matchup was a wash for Washington County being destroyed 70-0 by Axtell, it was also the first time matching up in the 2000s for the two schools last year. Before Washington County was consolidated from Washington and North Central, Washington had last played Axtell back in 1980, where Washington won 8-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Axtell
Justin’s Pick: Axtell
Kryndon’s Pick: Axtell
Jake’s Pick: Axtell
Boz’s Pick: Axtell
(1-0) Hanover at (1-0) Clifton-Clyde
Hanover’s season opener was a breeze, taking a 32-8 victory over Ell-Saline, a squad in which Hanover had just beaten 34-16 a year ago. Kadrick Cohorst threw for four touchdowns for Hanover. The battle was also between two teams battling inside of rankings in their own classification, with the Cardinals being top five in 8M-l, and Hanover who is now ranked third in the state in 8M-ll.
The Clifton-Clyde Eagles pulled up a week 1 massive takedown over Frankfort, 34-28. At halftime, it was 20-0, seemingly all Frankfort having returned one of the best quarterbacks in the state with Wes Anderson, but Clifton Clyde would put their heads down and lock in for the second half, outscoring the Wildcats 34-8 in the final two-quarter stretch. Clifton-Clyde would capture the overtime win against Frankfort in their first meeting since 2017.
The meeting between Clifton-Clyde and Hanover last year ended in destruction and defeat for the Eagles as Hanover ran away with a fifty-burger 50-0. But it was after that loss that Clifton Clyde would lose not a single game for the remainder of their schedule until the Sub-State Championship. Hanover is 8-3 over Clifton-Clyde since 2004; however, the Eagles won two years ago, 50-8, and three years ago, 52-6 over Hanover, having taken two out of the last three.
Brandon’s Pick: Hanover
Justin’s Pick: Hanover
Kryndon’s Pick: Hanover
Jake’s Pick: Clifton Clyde
Boz’s Pick: Hanover
(0-1) Linn at (0-1) Blue Valley-Randolph
Linn once again opened the regular season with a match-up against one of the best programs to touch the gridiron in the Axtell Eagles and were swiftly met with a 52-6 defeat. Linn allowed an opening kickoff to be returned for a touchdown, as well as 140 yards of offense to come off just twelve plays, all run plays. It was also the 10th straight season opener that the Bulldogs have lost.
Blue Valley-Randolph was considered a favorite by many to win their opening match-up against the Washington County Tigers last week, a match-up in which the Rams had won 42-14 last year. The Tigers came into this season off a 1-8 year without winning a game in the regular season last year and also replaced their coaching staff. It seemed like a favorable week one game for the Rams. Unfortunately for Blue Valley-Randolph, they were met by the 2025 Tigers, losing 52-28. Allowing Washington County to score their most points in a game in over two years.
Last season, Blue Valley-Randolph dominated Linn 54-28, helping them improve to 2-0 in their last year’s start. The Blue Valley Rams and Linn Bulldogs have played a total of 17 times since 2004, with the Rams holding the slight edge 10-7.
Brandon’s Pick: Linn
Justin’s Pick: Linn
Kryndon’s Pick: Linn
Jake’s Pick: Linn
Boz’s Pick: Linn
(1-0) Onaga at (0-1) Valley Heights
Last season, Onaga opened with a 40-0 blowout over Doniphan West. Last Friday, they came out with a little more of a closer win, 14-6 over the Mustangs. John Daniels rushed for over 100 yards off 20 carries, while the total rushing attack for the Buffaloes accumulated 260 yards. The Buffaloes had four different ball carriers carry the ball for over 25+ yards. Onaga scored all their 14 points in the second quarter, while the Mustangs got their lone points in the fourth.
The Valley Heights Mustangs are coming off a week one difficult loss to the Centralia Panthers, losing 28-14. The Mustangs are 1-16 against Centralia since 2006, with the last three games being decided by fourteen points, six points, and two points. The Mustangs have not opened their season with a win since 2020, when the Mustangs beat Marysville 32-12. With four of those consecutive season-opening losses being to Centralia.
Onaga is 2-13 in the last fifteen games against Valley Heights, but the Buffaloes do lead the series by a thread, 20-18 in their 38 all-time matchups.
Brandon’s Pick: Valley Heights
Justin’s Pick: Valley Heights
Kryndon’s Pick: Onaga
Jake’s Pick: Valley Heights
Boz’s Pick: Valley Heights
Big East League
(0-1) Riley County at (0-1) Holton – Holton Channel
Both Holton and Riley County are coming off disappointing week one losses and look to bounce back. Holton gets their first home game after falling behind 14-0 early at Sabetha and eventually trailed 28-0 before scoring two late touchdowns. Despite a bigger and more experienced line, Holton was beaten in the trenches and had two senior running backs leave the game with injuries. Quarterback Alex Frazier ran for 70 yards and opened the offense in the second half while Andrew Shupe led the Cats with 84 yards on the ground. Holton outgained Sabetha 306 to 267 yards and had one fewer turnover, but they had seven penalties which ended potential scoring drives.
Riley County overcame a 20-0 deficit last season to beat Holton 21-20, but the Falcons come into week two this year stinging from a tough 14-13 home loss to Jeff West. Riley County led 7-0 last Friday but trailed 14-7 at halftime and could not pull even despite a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Falcons have Rielyn Wurtz leading the ground game while returning quarterback Kadrick Woodard was 9-14 for 145 yards in the opener including a 94 yard play to Brendon Woodard in directing a balanced offense. Riley County did throw an interception last week and will be playing at Holton for the first time in school history.
Brandon’s Pick: Holton
Justin’s Pick:
Kryndon’s Pick: Riley County
Jake’s Pick: Holton
Boz’s Pick: Holton
(1-0) Sabetha at (0-1) Perry-Lecompton – Sabetha Channel
Sabetha opened their season in week one with a 28-16 win at home against Holton. The Bluejays led 28-0 before the Wildcats were able to get a couple of late touchdowns to change the margin of victory. The highlight play for the Sabetha offense was a 60-yard halfback pass touchdown to begin the second half from Colin Menold to Charlie Lukert. Sabetha finished with 174 rushing yards and just four penalties. Will Voos led the attack with 21 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Perry-Lecompton was blanked in their season opener at home against St. Marys 28-0. Kaws were held to just 3.5 yards per carry and 149 total yards. Amos Brackenhoff led the Perry rushing attack with 17 carries for 116 yards. It was a tough start for senior quarterback Garrett Metcalfe completing just 7-of-15 passes for 48 yards and two interceptions.
The Kaws won the matchup last season against Sabetha 12-9 while the Bluejays last defeated the Kaws 30-0 in 2023.
Brandon’s Pick: Sabetha
Justin’s Pick: Sabetha
Kryndon’s Pick: Sabetha
Jake’s Pick: Perry Lecompton
Boz’s Pick: Sabetha
(1-0) Jefferson West at (1-0) Royal Valley
Jefferson West impressed in their season opener going on the road and defeating Riley County 14-13. It was just the second all-time meeting between the two schools with the Falcons winning the game last season 27-14. Tigers freshman quarterback Brixton Scwinn earned MSC Radio Athlete of the Week honors in his first varsity action completing 8-of-14 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown while adding 48 rushing yards and one more score.
Royal Valley had to rally in week one as they controlled the pace in the second half to beat Hiawatha on the road 36-18. The Panthers have now won back-to-back games against the Redhawks as last year’s win snapped a four-game losing streak in the series.
Royal Valley defeated Jefferson West last season 30-2 which was their third straight win in the series. Jefferson West last beat Royal Valley 30-12 in 2021. Dating back to 2004 in 18 games, the Panthers hold the slight advantage winning 10 of those games in that stretch.
Brandon’s Pick: Royal Valley
Justin’s Pick: Royal Valley
Kryndon’s Pick: Jefferson West
Jake’s Pick: Royal Valley
Boz’s Pick: Royal Valley
(0-1) Silver Lake at (1-0) Nemaha Central – 103.9 KNZA & Silver Lake Channel
Silver Lake lost their season opener to Rossville in the War on 24 in overtime 28-27. It was the third time in the last four seasons that those two teams needed extra time to decide a winner. Game was tied at 21-21 going into overtime and Silver Lake would score to take a 27-21 lead on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Kipton Kruger to Dayne Johnson. But Rossville would respond with a touchdown and the extra point proved to be the winner for Rossville. Johnson hauled in 14 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
The #2 ranked Nemaha Central Thunder put the hammer down in week one going on the road and beating Marysville 48-0. Two-time 2A offensive player of the year, Carter Hajek got his senior season started off right, completing 4-of-6 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. He added 19 carries for 106 yards and two more scores, and he also added a kickoff return touchdown.
Nemaha Central took care of business last season against the Eagles winning the matchup 35-7. These two teams have played four times since 2016 with the Thunder holding the 3-1 advantage. Silver Lake’s last win over Nemaha Central was back in 2017 with that final being 25-7.
Brandon’s Pick:
Justin’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Kryndon’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Jake’s Pick: Nemaha Central
Boz’s Pick: Nemaha Central
(1-0) Rossville at (1-0) St. Marys
Rossville snapped a three-game losing streak to Silver Lake as they won the War on 24 last week in overtime 28-27. With Silver Lake leading 27-21 in overtime, the Dawgs got a five-yard touchdown run by Canaan Mitchell to tie the game with the extra point giving them the win. Rossville was outgained in total yards to Silver Lake 460-195, but they forced three Silver Lake turnovers and added a punt return touchdown.
The Bears looked good in their season opener winning at Perry-Lecompton 28-0. They held the Kaws rushing attack to just 101 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. They also held the Kaws to just 48 passing yards. Senior quarterback Lane Smith completed 7-of-8 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown. The Bears rushed for 257 yards and averaged nearly seven yards per carry. Korleone Holz led the Bears with 17 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
St. Marys won a thrilling game last season against Rossville 24-19 and have won two of the last three in the series. Rossville’s last win over the Bears was 30-22 back in 2023. Dating back to 2004, Rossville leads the series in that stretch 12-9.
Brandon’s Pick: St. Marys
Justin’s Pick: St. Marys
Kryndon’s Pick: Rossville
Jake’s Pick: Rossville
Boz’s Pick: Rossville
Northeast Kansas League
(1-0) Jackson Heights at (0-1) Maur Hill-Mount Academy – Cobra Channel
The Jackson Heights Cobras won arguably one of their toughest games of their regular season schedule this year in a 21-0 victory over Riverside. The Cobras found all three of their scores in the first half, with a rushing score in the first quarter, and two passing touchdowns from Mellies in the second. Mellies threw a 12-yard touchdown to Austin Zeller and another from four yards out to Sir Peek. Freshman Tatum Eisenbarth made his debut with the Cobras and performed with 100 yards rushing off eight carries. The Cobra defense was resilient with three turnovers, with one of them being an endzone pick from Drake Mellies.
Maur Hill Mount-Academy started the season off on the wrong foot with a 40-0 loss to the Jefferson County North Chargers. The Ravens allowed the Chargers to rush for over 300 yards off over 50 carries, accounting for all the scores. Maur Hill would be down 16-0 at halftime before JCN would run away with the contest in the third, with 16 more points. Last season, the Ravens beat JCN to open the season 22-20.
Jackson Heights beat Maur Hill 55-0 last year, where it was 48-0 by halftime. Drake Mellies had over 200 yards of offense in the game, with two scores. The Cobras lead the series against the Ravens 8-5, having not lost since 2019. Where the Ravens won 18-14. Cobras head coach Caleb Wick is 8-2 all-time against the Ravens.
Brandon’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Justin’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Kryndon’s Pick:
Jake’s Pick: Jackson Heights
Boz’s Pick: Jackson Heights
(1-0) ACCHS at (0-1) Riverside
Atchison County opened their season with a double-up week one win against McLouth at home 40-20. The Tigers were balanced on offense with over 200 passing yards and 200 rushing yards. Tigers quarterback Cody Falk completed 12-of-15 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Max Bottorff led the rushing attack with 59 yards and a touchdown.
Riverside couldn’t get much going in their season opener last week losing at 1A #2 Jackson Heights 21-0. The Cyclones defense gave up three straight touchdown drives to end the first half and that was more than enough for the Cobras. Riverside quarterback Beckam Griffin completed 5-of-16 passes for 76 yards and an interception. The Cyclones turned it over three times total and they lost key lineman Maddox Meers to an injury.
Riverside went on the road last season and defeated ACCHS 20-0 as they Cyclones defense held the Tigers to just 68 rushing yards and 51 passing yards. The Tigers last beat Riverside 32-13 back in 2021. Dating back to 2012, Riverside has dominated the series in that stretch winning 10 of the 11 matchups.
Brandon’s Pick: ACCHS
Justin’s Pick: Riverside
Kryndon’s Pick: Riverside
Jake’s Pick: Riverside
Boz’s Pick: Riverside
(1-0) Oskaloosa at (1-0) Valley Falls
The Oskaloosa Bears picked up a big time win in week one defeating Pleasant Ridge on the road 38-17. The Bears have now won back-to-back games against the Rams after snapping a five-game losing streak in the series last season. It was only the third win for Oskaloosa against Pleasant Ridge dating back to 2004.
Valley Falls matched their win total from 2024 as they defeated Horton last week 6-0 to start the season 1-0. The defense was stout and the one touchdown in the game was a touchdown pass from Grant Meyer to Collin Kearney. Meyer completed three passes in the game, all to Kearney totaling 71 yards. Kearney also added six carries for 22 yards.
Oskaloosa won the matchup last season against the Dragons 28-6 with the Dragons totaling just 69 yards in the game. The Bears have won six straight over Valley Falls with the Dragons last win the series coming in 2012 by a final score of 38-12. The Bears are 10-5 against the Dragons dating back to 2004.
Brandon’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Justin’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Kryndon’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Jake’s Pick: Oskaloosa
Boz’s Pick: Oskaloosa
(1-0) Jefferson County North at (0-1) Horton
You could argue Jefferson County North was the best looking team in the NEKL in week one as they blasted Maur Hill-Mount Academy 40-0. They led 16-0 at halftime and put the game away in the back half. JCN rushed for over 300 yards with Merrick Noll leading the way with 19 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. Nic Cahill, Will Elias, and Knox Heston all found the end zone. Cahill rushed for 96 yards, Elias rushed for 64 yards, and Heston rushed for 54 yards.
The Horton Chargers opened the Derek Richardson era in week one with a 6-0 loss against Valley Falls. The defense played well and gave them plenty of opportunities to win the game but the offense is set to be a working progress.
JCN doubled up Horton last season winning 28-14 which was their sixth straight win in the series. Horton last defeated JCN in 2014. Dating back to 2004, JCN has won nine of the 11 matchups in that stretch.
Brandon’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Justin’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Kryndon’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Jake’s Pick: Jefferson County North
Boz’s Pick: Jefferson County North
(0-1) McLouth at (0-1) Troy
McLouth began the 2025 season with a 40-20 week one loss against Atchison County. The Bulldogs defense surrendered over 400 yards of total offense to ACCHS and have now lost four of the last five meetings to the Tigers.
Troy had a lengthy road trip in week one as they traveled to Republic County and lost in overtime 34-28. The Trojans outgained Republic County by more than 100 yards but the Trojans committed four turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble. Trojans quarterback Kaston Jasper completed 19-of-31 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter Engemann led the group of pass catchers for Troy with six receptions for 95 yards.
McLouth won the meeting last season against the Trojans 30-12, putting the game away with a 14-0 fourth quarter. McLouth outgained Troy in the rushing department in that game 245-64. The Win for McLouth snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Trojans.
Brandon’s Pick: Troy
Justin’s Pick: Troy
Kryndon’s Pick: Troy
Jake’s Pick: Troy
Boz’s Pick: Troy
Meadowlark Conference
(0-1) KC Harmon at (0-1) Atchison – KAIR 93.7
Harmon lost their season opener last week at home to Maranatha Academy 6-0 and that’s after they blasted Maranatha in the opener last season 52-6 which was one of their two wins on the season. Harmon is slowly trying to improve as they won two games last season, one game in 2023, and no games in 2022.
The Ottawa Cyclones appear to be a heavy contender in 4A east as they dispatched the Phoenix last week in the season opener 49-7. Ottawa quarterback Haydon Hull completed 15-of-19 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns.
Dating back to 2010, the Phoenix have absolutely dominated Harmon winning all 14 games in that stretch including last season’s 55-6 victory.
Brandon’s Pick: Atchison
Justin’s Pick: Atchison
Kryndon’s Pick: Atchison
Jake’s Pick: Atchison
Boz’s Pick: Atchison
Non-League
(0-1) Doniphan West at (0-1) Pleasant Ridge
Doniphan West has dropped its home opener for now four straight years. Last Friday, they lost for a second straight year to Onaga, 14-6. The Doniphan West Mustangs gave up 14 points in the second quarter and held the Buffaloes to zero in the second half, but unfortunately for the Mustangs, their offense only mustard upped six points in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs also gave up 260 yards on the ground, but the defense did come away with one interception.
Pleasant Ridge has also dropped four straight home openers, as they lost in a tough-fought battle against the Oskaloosa Bears last Friday, losing 38-17. The Rams are now on a 15-game losing streak dating back to 2023.
Last season, the Doniphan West Mustangs won for the first time against Pleasant Ridge ever, and did it not just once, but twice. The Mustangs beat the Rams in the regular season 14-0 and in a week nine non-playoff game 65-27. They had been beaten by the Rams four times before last year, with the last contest being back in 2009, with Pleasant Ridge winning 40-0.
Brandon’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Justin’s Pick: Doniphan West
Kryndon’s Pick: Doniphan West
Jake’s Pick: Pleasant Ridge
Boz’s Pick: Doniphan West
(0-1) Frankfort at (1-0) Lyndon
Frankfort dropped their first season opener since 2022, where the Wildcats lost to Chase County 60-8. The Wildcats lost to Clifton-Clyde after having a 20-0 lead at halftime and a 28-16 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Wildcats would go on to lose in overtime 34-28. Frankfort just a year ago had shelled the Eagles 70-34 but found themselves in a heartbreaking first game of the season and will look to bounce back heading into week two against a top-five ranked 8M-1 opponent in the Lyndon Tigers.
Lyndon comes off a hot game over Pretty Prairie, winning 52-0, which the Tigers had destroyed Pretty Prairie similarly in an opening start last season, 50-0. Lyndon had already jumped up 36-0 just after the first quarter and ended the game against the Bulldogs at halftime. The Tigers are also the #5-ranked team according to KPreps in 8M-l.
This is going to be the eighth all-time meeting between the two schools. Frankfort won last year 72-22; However, the year before Frankfort lost 70-24, and the year before that 50-0. The two teams last met four times between 1998-2001, with Frankfort taking three out of the four matchups. Frankfort leads the series over the Tigers 4-3.
Brandon’s Pick: Lyndon
Justin’s Pick: Lyndon
Kryndon’s Pick: Frankfort
Jake’s Pick: Frankfort
Boz’s Pick: Frankfort
(2-0) Mid-Buchanan at (1-0) Centralia
The Mid-Buchanan Dragons are as sharp as they start 2025, rolling with the victory over Lexington 48-0. The Dragons finished 12-1 last season and went 6-0 in their district in Missouri, making a quarterfinal run in their playoff bracket, where they lost to South Shelby 28-26.
The Centralia Panthers got away from Valley Heights in yet another home opener, winning 28-14. The match-up was tied 14-14 at the half, but the Panthers would take the lead in the third, 22-14, after a Quentin Alderfer 20-yard touchdown run. Centralia would shut it down in the fourth with another touchdown to secure the 28-14 victory. The Panthers' offense looks like it’s still in complete rhythm after making the transition from Jacob Flentie to new quarterback Quentin Alderfer.
Last year was the first-ever contest between the two teams, and Centralia traveled all the way down to Faucett, MO. Centralia dropped its only game of the season despite the state title game in a 41-6 defeat, but this time Mid-Bucanan will take a trip down to Centralia to take on the Panthers.
Brandon’s Pick: Mid-Buchanan
Justin’s Pick: Mid-Buchanan
Kryndon’s Pick: Mid-Buchanan
Jake’s Pick: Centralia
Boz’s Pick: Mid-Buchanan
(0-1) Marysville at (0-1) Hiawatha – Hiawatha Channel
Marysville is working in a new quarterback in 2025 and their season got off to a slow start getting blasted by 2A #2 Nemaha Central last week 48-0. This was after the Bulldogs defeated the Thunder in the season opener 16-8 last season.
Hiawatha jumped out to an early lead but couldn’t hold it last week as they lost to Royal Valley 36-18 in the opener. The Redhawks rushed for 159 yards in the game led by Ethan Morton with 15 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown. It was their second straight loss to the Panthers after having a four-game winning streak in the series prior.
Marysville shutout Hiawatha last season 38-0 which was their seventh straight win over the Redhawks. Hiawatha last beat Marysville 34-17 back in 2005 and dating back to 2004, Marysville has won eight of the nine meetings in that stretch.
Brandon’s Pick: Marysville
Justin’s Pick: Marysville
Kryndon’s Pick: Marysville
Jake’s Pick: Marysville
Boz’s Pick: Marysville
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