Cooper Riley blocks for Iola QB Landon Weide vs Girard Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
The last week of the high school football regular season is upon us, and with that comes the playoffs. Multiple area schools have chances at the postseason, with plenty on the line this Friday night.
Some teams could end up playing “plus-one” games. These games count for the team’s record but are not playoff games
Iola (2-5) will play (3-4) Burlington with the hopes for the Mustangs’ first playoff bid since 2016.
If Iola defeats Burlington Friday, the Mustangs will likely play at Galena to open the Class 3A playoffs. If Iola loses, it will likely host Baxter Springs in a plus-one game.
Humboldt is playoff-bound regardless of Friday’s outcome.
If Humboldt (5-2) beats (6-1) Osage City, the Cubs could host either Fredonia, Southeast or Erie in the Class 2A playoffs. If Humboldt loses, it would likely go to Riverton.
Yates Center also is assured of making the playoffs in Kansas Eight Man-I play.
If Yates Center (6-1) beats West Elk (6-1), the Wildcats could host either Chase County, Central Burden, Oxford or Flinthills. If Yates Center loses, they will travel to either Chase County, Central Burden, Oxford, or Flinthills.
Marmaton Valley (4-3) has the clearest scenario for the local teams, and knows it will open the Eight Man-I playoffs on the road.
The Wildcats will travel to Madison, Chase County, or Central Burden but are guaranteed a playoff spot regardless of the outcome of Friday’s game against Sedan (7-0).
The playoff picture is a bit murkier for Crest High and Southern Coffey County in Kansas Eight Man-Division II play, but it would behoove both teams to win this week.
If Crest (4-3) beats Altoona-Midway (0-5) the Lancers will be playoff-bound. If they lose, they could still make the playoffs.
Crest could host a playoff game against Hartford, Rural Vista, or Wakefield, or travel to Lebo or Marais des Cygnes Valley with a win. If Crest loses, the Lancers have a laundry list of possibilities for Oct. 28. These games could be either a playoff or a plus-one game depending on how other games go.
Southern Coffey County (1-5) makes the playoffs with a win over (4-3) St. Paul. SCC’s opponent for that playoff game depends on the results of other games. With a loss, SCC will play a plus-one game against an opponent to be determined.
Wins always matter, but with playoffs on the line, it just seems to mean more.
