The final week of the high school football regular season is upon us. Playoff spots are on the line for five local high schools, while Humboldt already has its postseason ticket punched. Here are the matchups for week 8:
Prairie View vs. Iola
Despite losing at Girard 14-12, the Mustangs arguably displayed their best performance. Iola brought passion and energy for all four quarters, even holding the lead at one point in the first quarter. Ultimately, Iolas offense remained stagnant after a quarter of play, and defense failed to get a stop late that would have given Iola one more opportunity to execute their two-minute offense.
Powerhouse Prairie View pummeled Anderson County 41-0 last week to remain undefeated. Prairie Views season has earned them recognition by Kpreps.com. The Buffalos dont rank in the top five, but have received consideration to be ranked. Clearly, Iola has a tough task. If the Mustangs do win, they have a glimmer of hope that next weeks game has more meaning than just a consolation prize. In order for the Mustangs to reach the playoffs, Girard and Burlington would both have to lose their Friday night contests, and Iola make up the point differential. It is possible that any star players for the Buffalos who are limited by injury, could be given the week off to heal for the postseason. Prairie View has nothing left to play for after already clinching the class 3A district 2 title. On the other hand, Iolas seniors have everything to gain in their final home game of their careers.
Winner: Prairie View
Humboldt @ Southeast-Cherokee
To say Humboldts win over Northeast-Arma was a blowout, is an understatement. The Cubs led the Vikings 36-6 with three minutes remaining in the first quarter en route to a 74-6 victory. Conor Haviland ran the rock like a man amongst boys, racking up 171 yards rushing on eight carries to go along with 4 touchdowns. Humboldts two close contests came against Riverton and Eureka, which were settled by a score or less.
The Lancers were undefeated heading into last week at 6-0 before they were humbled by Riverton 40-6. Lancer Zaden Hendricks will have a target on his back Friday night. Last week, Hendricks was held to only 35 yards rushing on 9 carries. Some expected this matchup Friday to be close, but after seeing the score from last week, we can expect Humboldt to win comfortably.
Winner: Humboldt
Marmaton Valley @ Chetopa
The 2019 season has been a rough go-around for the Wildcats. Marmaton Valley currently rides on a three-game losing streak after last weeks loss to Altoona-Midway, 36-20. The Wildcats last win came nearly a month ago in a 48-24 victory over Southern Coffey County. On the bright side, Marmaton Valley has not been shutout since week 3, meaning the offense has slowly made improvements.
Marmaton Valley even has more luck on its side this week, as they face a struggling Chetopa. Out of the seven games the Hornets have played this season, opponents have held Chetopa to zero on the scoreboard. Week 7 provides Marmaton Valley an opportunity to get back on the winning side of things.
Winner: Marmaton Valley
Crest @ Altoona-Midway
The Nic McAulty era in Colony is off to a fast start. After an opening night win and three consecutive losses, the Lancers have stormed back with a three-game winning streak. Most recently, Crest handled Southern Coffey County at home with ease in its 40-16 home victory. Jacqueez Coleman, Zack Bechmon and Tyson Hermreck are athletes capable of big-play potential and have been instrumental during the Lancers success this season.
This week, the Lancers travel to Altoona-Midway. The Jets sit at 2-5 on the season after earning an away win at Marmaton Valley 36-20. Where Crest has struggled this season has been on the road. The Lancers solo away win came against Chetopa, but remain under .500 at 1-2. If Crest comes out laser-focused, then expect the Lancers to cruise to victory.
Winner: Crest
Yates Center @
Pleasanton
The 2019 season has been one full of adversity in the Hay Capital of the World. The Wildcats remain winless, most recently losing away to Uniontown 50-6. The struggle for Yates Center has been their player depth. A roster that was in the lower 20s has been decimated to just the amount of players required to take the field at a time. No matter the talent on a football team, you need depth.
Pleasanton sits on a three-game losing streak after last weeks defeat to St. Marys Colgan 33-16. It is safe to say that unless more numbers appear on the Wildcats sideline, the road points to another loss.
Winner: Pleasanton
Southern Coffey County @ St.Paul
Head coach Trevor Smith emphasized that his Titans could end up .500, or go in the opposite direction. So far, the 2019 season has gone somewhere in the middle of those extremes. The Titans sit at 2-5 after a 40-16 loss in Colony. Prior to last weeks loss, SCC had earned two consecutive wins.
Unfortunately for SCC, finding the winning formula for this week is a near impossible task. St. Paul remains undefeated on the season after a 71-0 mauling of Chetopa, and are currently ranked fifth in 8M-II classification by Kpreps.com. Unless the Titans put together a performance for the record books, expect the Indians to remain undefeated.
Winner: St.Paul
