The “regular” season is over across Kansas for teams Class 3A and up, tonight starts district play and the right to capture a playoff birth. Tonight begins that journey as teams must capture first or second in their district to move on.
Sacred Heart (5-1) @ Southeast of Saline (5-1)
The Saline County showdown between the Knights and the Trojans should be a good one tonight, but history tells us otherwise. In the past six seasons of this series, there has only been one game decided under 14 points. That game was Mitch Gebhardt’s first season at SES in which the Trojans won 28-27 in overtime. Both teams come in with identical records, both having lost to Beloit.
Both teams have a nice mix of speed and physical play and both are capable of throwing the football. For the sake of conversation, this game is the battle for second place in the NCAA.
Countdown to Kickoff starts at 6:30 pm on 99KG and Salina Post
Ellsworth (3-3) @ Lyons (4-2)
After winning 3 consecutive games, the Bearcats have lost the last to games. Ellsworth lost in a blow-out to Beloit, then dropped a close game last week to Minneapolis by 2 points. This week the Bearcats will travel to Lyons to face a Lions squad that lost to Smoky Valley last week, 56-28. This district should be one of the more competitive districts in Class 3A with Sacred Heart and SES.
This game can be heard via webcast on Salina Post
Minneapolis (3-3) @ Norton (4-2)
After dropping three in a row, Minneapolis found the win column last week after a back-and-forth battle with Ellsworth. The Lions won that game 22-20 and look to move into district play on a positive note. If there is a power district in 3A, it is this District 14. Minneapolis will have 3 straight game versus Norton, Phillipsburg and Beloit. The week Norton will host the Lions with a 4 game win streak on the line.
Hear this game via webcast on Salina Post
Beloit (6-0) @ Phillipsburg (6-0)
For the 3rd time in the last 4 weeks, Beloit will play an undefeated team. This week the Trojans will travel to Phillipsburg to face the Panthers. Just like Beloit, Phillipsburg can score tons of points while playing stingy defense. The Panthers give up just 12 point per game. Beloit won this game last year in Beloit, 32-27. This could be the marquee game in Class 3A tonight.
Russell (1-5) vs. Thomas More Prep (1-5)
This may be the week that Russell gets a second win. After going 1-5, the Broncos will get new life tonight if they defend their home field against Thomas Moore Prep. The Monarchs have just one win in the first six games as well and are currently on a 5 game losing streak. TMP won this game last season 36-26.
Republic County (0-6) vs. Ell-Saline (2-4)
Republic County is still looking for their first win tonight as they host Ell-Saline. The Cardinals have two wins thus far and have played a very difficult schedule. The Cards have lost 3 games in a row to Sedgwick, Plainville and Smith Center.