My 2023-24 Northern Plains League All-League Teams

I took some time to myself immediately following the 2023-24 high school basketball season, so I’m a bit late in posting these. I will confess that this year’s selections for myself were much tougher having not seen as many teams without the league tournament taking place. It’s always tough to narrow down the teams and I will say as a tie-breaker on some of these picks on both the boys and girls side, I looked at the coach selections. Disclaimers: these are just one man’s OPINION on this basketball season. My opinion is also not that of my employer.

Boys 1st Team
Jonny Hamel, 5’10”, Sr., G, Osborne Bulldogs
Hamel is on my first team for the third straight season and all three seasons he played in the NPL at Osborne. Hamel helped lead the Bulldogs to a 20-2 season, which included an 11-0 record and an outright regular season title in the NPL. He led the league in scoring, averaging 20.5 ppg while adding 4.6 rpg, 4.6 spg and 3.4 apg. Hamel scored in double figures in 19 of the 20 contested games Osborne played, finishing his Bulldog career with 58 double figure games. He scored 30 or more three times this season with a career high 32 in a 69-43 win at Pike Valley on February 6. Hamel shot 48% from the floor and made 43 three-pointers, shooting 33% from beyond the arc. He also added a 70% free throw mark at 43-61. Hamel crossed the 1,000 point mark in his career during his final season as well.

Cooper McDill, 6’0″, Jr., G, Rock Hills Grizzlies
McDill moves up from the second team to my first team this season. McDill became one of the top scorers in the Northern Plains League in his junior season, averaging 17.0 ppg on 42% shooting from the floor. He made 33 total three-pointers, shooting 32% from beyond the three-point line and shot 56% (57-87) from the free throw line. McDill scored in double figures in 18 of 20 games, scoring 20 or more nine times. He had a career high 27 in a hard-fought 65-58 loss at Lakeside on December 5.

Andy Cooper, 6’3″, Jr., G/F, Pike Valley Panthers
After being a second team pick last season, Cooper moves up to the first team after a breakout junior season. Cooper put up 17.4 ppg for the 10-8 Panthers in 2023-24. He also added 8.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.8 spg and 1.6 bpg. He shot 55% from the floor and made a living at the free throw line, going 62-103 (60%) on the season. Cooper scored in double figures in all 18 games for Pike Valley, eclipsing the 20-point mark five times. He put up a career high 31 in a 65-38 win at Thunder Ridge on February 10. Cooper also registered seven double-doubles this season.

Edward Horinek, 5’11”, So., G, St. John’s/Tipton Blujays
Horinek got off to a great start in his career and was on my third team as a freshman, moving to the first team with a great sophomore campaign. After averaging 10.5 ppg as a freshman, Horinek put up 15.0 ppg this season in helping St. John’s/Tipton to a 14-8 record and a 1A-DII State Tournament appearance. He also added 3.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.0 spg and shot 43% from the floor. Horinek made a team-high 41 three-pointers, shooting 33% from beyond the arc and was also 82% (42-64) from the free throw line. In 2023-24, Horinek scored in double figures in 16 of 21 contested games. He came up big at important times, scoring a career-high 27 points in the Blujays’ 51-47 Sub-State Championship win over Victoria on March 2.

Dalton Garman, 6’0″, Jr., G, Osborne Bulldogs
After a third team selection last year, Garman also elevated to my first team with a big junior season. Garman was the second-leading scorer for the 20-2 Osborne squad that won the league title. He put up 13.9 ppg and added 4.7 rpg and 2.1 apg. He scored in double figures in 18 of 20 contested games. Garman’s career high came in a 58-39 win over Sylvan-Lucas on January 20, as he put up 26 points in the victory. Garman shot 43% from the floor and was second on the team with 36 made three-pointers, shooting 32% from three. He also was efficient at the free throw line, going 29-38 (76%) for the season.

Boys 2nd Team
Reece Remus, 6’2″, Jr., F/C, Lakeside (13.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.1 spg, 1.3 bpg; 52% FG; 53% (37-70) FT)
Jace Cunningham, 6’3″, Jr.; G/F, Lakeside (13.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg; 40% FG)
Nathan Goheen, 6’4″, Sr., C, Osborne (9.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.6 spg; 51% FG, 51% (32-63) FT)
Kye Chase, 6’6″, Jr., C, Southern Cloud (13.3 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 2.8 bpg, 2.1 spg; 52% FG)
Lane Homewood, 6’1″, Sr., G/F, Sylvan-Lucas (13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.7 apg; 42% FG; 64% (33-52) FT)

Boys 3rd Team
Cooper Rathbun, 6’3″, Jr., C, Lincoln (11.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 54% FG)
Connor Charvat, 5’7″, Jr., G, Sylvan-Lucas (12.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.8 apg; 44% FG; 34% 3’s (44 total); 64% (27-42) FT)
Jacob Winkler, 6’2″, Sr., C, St. John’s/Tipton (9.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 52% FG; 68% (17-25) FT)
Doak Guttery, 6’2″, Sr., F, Osborne (8.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.0 spg; 48% FG; 54% (28-52) FT)
Tyson Gates, 6’0″, Jr., G, St. John’s/Tipton (7.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.2 spg; 38% FG; 21 total 3’s; 56% (22-39) FT)

Girls 1st Team
Gracie Riner, 5’8″, Sr., G, Osborne Bulldogs
Riner moves up to my first team after being a second team selection as a junior. She led all Northern Plains League players in scoring at 22.3 ppg, scoring in double figures in 18 of 20 contested games, adding 20 or more ten times and 30 or more five times. Riner also passed the 40-point mark once this season, scoring a career high 42 in a 65-28 win over Thunder Ridge on December 19. With her final bucket in that game, Riner also crossed the 1,000 point mark in her career and she finished with 1,261 pts over her four seasons. Riner added 3.7 rpg, 3.5 apg and was a force on defense, picking off 5.2 spg. She shot 46% from the floor overall and made a team-high 58 three-pointers, with a 38% mark from beyond the arc. Riner also went 48-58 (83%) from the free throw line for the season.

Carlie Brummer, 5’7″, Jr., G, St. John’s/Tipton Blujays
After being on my second team as a sophomore, Brummer also moves up to the first team after helping lead the St. John’s/Tipton Lady Jays back to the 1A-DII State Tournament with a 16-6 record in 2023-24. Brummer averaged 15.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.5 spg and 3.2 apg. She scored in double figures nearly every game this season. Her career high of 31 points came in a 78-46 win at Thunder Ridge on January 30.

Maggie Labertew, 5’6″, Jr., G, Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs
Labertew makes her first appearance on my all-league selections with a first team nod. She helped lead the Lady Mustangs to a 16-5 overall record and a 10-1 mark in the NPL. Labertew became a sharp-shooter from beyond the three-point line, shooting 42% from long range this season. She was in double figures nearly every game for Sylvan-Lucas, putting up 16.1 ppg. She also added 2.0 apg in 2023-24.

Kamryn Rietzke, 5’5″, Sr., G, Thunder Ridge Longhorns
For the first time since her freshman year, Rietzke was able to play an entire season for Thunder Ridge as a senior in 2023-24. She was an honorable mention pick on my all-league teams over the past two seasons after having each season cut short due to a knee injury. After playing in just 13 games combined over the past two seasons, Rietzke saw the floor in 19 games this season, scoring in double figures in 16 of them. For the season, she averaged 15.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 4.0 spg, helping Thunder Ridge to a 13-7 record. She shot 37% from the floor with a team-high 44 made three-pointers, cashing in on 33% of her shots from beyond the arc. She was also 51-77 (66%) from the free throw line. The individual highlight of the season for Rietzke was a career high 29 points in a 56-49 win over Pike Valley on February 10.

Jenna Gengler, 5’8″, Sr., G, St. John’s/Tipton Blujays
Gengler was on my third team as a junior and moved up to first team in her final season. She improved her shooting as a senior and was second on the team in scoring, putting up 15.2 ppg. Gengler added 4.9 rpg, 3.0 spg and 2.2 apg for the 16-6 Lady Jays. She was also in double figures nearly every game this season and scored a career high 25 in a 67-36 win over Stockton in Tipton on February 9.

Girls 2nd Team
Bethany Simmelink, 5’4″, So., G, Rock Hills (16.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 4.1 spg; 40% FG; 37% 3’s (30 total); 70% (89-172) FT)
Breanna Reeves, 5’7″, Jr., G, Pike Valley (18.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.0 spg; 37% FG; 71% (97-137) FT)
Lauren Brummet, 5’11”, Sr., F, Lakeside (13.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg; 42% FG)
Grace William, 6’0″, Jr., F, Osborne (11.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg; 42% FG; 64% (52-81) FT)
Halle Mizner, 5’9″, So., F, Rock Hills (14.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.9 spg, 2.7 apg; 41% FG; 54% (40-74) FT)

Girls 3rd Team
Aubrey Kesler, 5’10”, Jr., C, Stockton (11.9 ppg)
Serenity Steinike, 5’11”, Jr., C, Sylvan-Lucas (9.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 5.0 apg)
Lynelle Gengler, 5’8″, So., C, St. John’s/Tipton (9.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.0 spg)
Aubrey Gengler, 5’9″, Sr., F, St. John’s/Tipton (7.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.1 spg)
Leavie Riner, 5’10”, So., G, Osborne (8.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.5 spg; 23 total 3’s)

Previous All-League Teams
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
2019-20
2018-19
2017-18
2016-17
2015-16
2014-15 (No team as I missed all of the regular season due to sickness)
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Final

As the 2023 high school football season has come to a close in Kansas, here are my final rankings for the season.  One note that I always make is that sometimes the State Runner-up won’t necessarily be in the second spot in my rankings.  What a crazy state championship weekend with the snow-packed fields!  Of note, four of my preseason number one ranked teams won state titles (6A Gardner-Edgerton; 5A Mill Valley; 2A Nemaha Central; 8M-DII Axtell).  It was another very enjoyable season and congrats to all the athletes on a great year.

Super 10
1. Gardner-Edgerton (12-1)
2. Derby (11-2)
3. Mill Valley (11-2)
4. Washburn Rural (11-1)
5. Manhattan (9-2)
6. Blue Valley Southwest (10-2)
7. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (11-2)
8. St. Thomas Aquinas (10-3)
9. Bishop Miege (8-2)
10. Blue Valley (7-5)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (12-1)
2. Derby (11-2)
3. Washburn Rural (11-1)
4. Manhattan (9-2)
5. Blue Valley (7-5)

5A
1. Mill Valley (11-2)
2. Blue Valley Southwest (10-2)
3. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (11-2)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (10-2)
5. Maize South (8-3)

4A
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (10-3)
2. Bishop Miege (8-2)
3. Tonganoxie (9-3)
4. Andover Central (9-4)
5. Wamego (9-3)

3A
1. Cheney (13-0)
2. Andale (10-2)
3. Clay Center (9-2)
4. Topeka-Hayden (12-1)
5. Wichita Collegiate (9-2)

2A
1. Nemaha Central (13-0)
2. Hoisington (12-1)
3. Sabetha (10-2)
4. Southeast of Saline (10-1)
5. Norton (11-1)

1A
1. Conway Springs (11-2)
2. Medicine Lodge (9-3)
3. Jefferson County North (11-2)
4. Pittsburg-Colgan (11-1)
5. Marion (9-2)

8-Man DI
1. Lyndon (13-0)
2. Wichita County (12-1)
3. Ell-Saline (10-2)
4. Cair Paravel (9-3)
5. Hoxie (9-2)

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (13-0)
2. Frankfort (9-3)
3. Osborne (9-2)
4. South Central (9-4)
5. Victoria (9-2)

6-Man
1. Cheylin (13-0)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Cunningham (11-2)
4. Northern Valley (9-2)
5. Tescott (8-3)

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 9/Postseason

As always, these are my final rankings for the regular season and I’ll do a final ranking after all the state champions are crowned.  The “big game” feature is also no longer on here as every game from here on out holds all the stakes possible.

Super 10
1. Washburn Rural (8-0)
2. Manhattan (7-1)
3. Olathe North (7-1)
4. Bishop Miege (7-1)
5. Mill Valley (6-2)
6. Olathe East (6-2)
7. Gardner-Edgerton (7-1)
8. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (7-1)
9. Blue Valley Southwest (7-1)
10. Derby (7-1)

6A
1. Washburn Rural (8-0)
2. Manhattan (7-1)
3. Olathe North (7-1)
4. Olathe East (6-2)
5. Gardner-Edgerton (7-1)

Notes: 6A stays the same this week.  #1 Washburn Rural rolled to a 55-8 win at Topeka West on Thursday night.  #2 Manhattan clipped Wichita Northwest 28-24 in Wichita.  #3 Olathe North won 35-21 at Free State.  #4 Olathe East beat Shawnee Mission Northwest 25-7.  #5 Gardner-Edgerton bounced back with a 53-21 win over Olathe South.

5A
1. Mill Valley (6-2)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (7-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (7-1)
4. Maize South (6-2)
5. De Soto (7-1)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley cruised to a 56-13 win over Shawnee Mission East on Thursday night.  #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel won 33-21 at Wichita Heights.  #3 Blue Valley Southwest picked up a 42-21 win over 4A #2 St. Thomas Aquinas.  Maize South moves up to #4 after a 66-19 drubbing of Salina South.  De Soto moves back in at #5 with a 48-21 league win over Basehor-Linwood.  Goddard-Eisenhower drops from #4 with a 22-14 loss at cross-town rival Goddard.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (7-1)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (5-3)
3. Louisburg (8-0)
4. Tonganoxie (6-2)
5. Wamego (6-2)

Notes: I’m keeping 4A the same this week.  #1 Bishop Miege picked up a big 42-16 win over Blue Valley Northwest.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas stays put despite a 42-21 loss to 5A #3 Blue Valley Southwest.  #3 Louisburg was impressive in a 35-21 win at 5A Spring Hill.  #4 Tonganoxie cruised to a 40-10 league win at Ottawa.  #5 Wamego won 38-14 at NCKL rival Abilene.

3A
1. Cheney (8-0)
2. Andale (7-1)
3. Wichita Collegiate (7-1)
4. Topeka-Hayden (8-0)
5. Clay Center (7-1)

Notes: #1 Cheney picked up a 39-12 home win over Halstead.  #2 Andale responded to last week’s loss to Cheney with a 43-6 win over Pratt.  #3 Wichita Collegiate rolled to a 42-13 win over Hesston.  #4 Topeka-Hayden crushed Hiawatha 56-7.  #5 Clay Center thrashed Marysville 55-7.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (8-0)
2. Southeast of Saline (8-0)
3. Hoisington (8-0)
4. Sabetha (7-1)
5. Garden Plain (7-1)

Notes: #1 Nemaha Central posted their seventh straight shutout, beating then #3 Sabetha 28-0.  Sabetha falls to #4.  #2 Southeast of Saline picked up a 30-0 shutout over then #4 Ellsworth.  The Bearcats fall out of my top five.  Hoisington moves up to #3 after a 67-20 win at Cimarron.  Garden Plain moves in at #5 with a 28-25 win over Kingman.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (8-0)
2. Smith Center (7-1)
3. St. Marys (5-3)
4. Centralia (7-1)
5. Conway Springs (6-2)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan posted a 60-0 shutout at Uniontown.  Smith Center moves up to #2 with a 34-22 win at Valley Heights.  St. Marys is up to #3 after a 53-7 blowout win at McLouth.  Centralia moves up to #4 with a 46-7 win at Pleasant Ridge.  Conway Springs moves into the poll after a 41-6 win over Hutchinson-Trinity.  Marion drops from #2 out of my top five after a 34-28 loss to Sedgwick.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (8-0)
2. Lyndon (8-0)
3. Moundridge (8-0)
4. Central-Burden (8-0)
5. Hoxie (7-1)

Notes: #1 Wichita County rolled to a 64-0 home shutout of South Gray.  #2 Lyndon posted a 48-0 shutout at Burlingame.  #3 Moundridge blasted Herington 62-6.  Central-Burden moves in at #4 with a 72-40 win over previously unbeaten and then #5 South Sumner.  Hoxie is now #5 with a 32-26 win over then #4 Rawlins County.  Rawlins County and South Sumner both fall out of my top five.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (8-0)
2. Minneola (8-0)
3. Canton-Galva (7-1)
4. Victoria (6-1)
5. Osborne (7-1)

Notes: There are no changes in 8M-DII this week.  #1 Axtell moved their state-best active winning streak to 34 games with a 78-8 domination of Doniphan West. #2 Minneola hit the century mark in a 100-64 win over Dighton.  #3 Canton-Galva won 68-20 at Rural Vista on Thursday night.  #4 Victoria had no issues in a 59-8 win over Otis-Bison.  #5 Osborne posted a 46-0 shutout at Fairfield as their coach Steve Tiernan picked up his 200th career victory.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (8-0)
2. Ashland (7-1)
3. Cunningham (7-1)
4. Waverly (7-0)
5. Northern Valley (7-1)

Notes: 6-Man stays the same this week as well.  #1 Cheylin crushed Golden Plains 72-6.  #2 Ashland blasted Chetopa 67-6 on Saturday.  #3 Cunningham picked up a 60-0 home shutout over Southern Cloud.  #4 Waverly won by forfeit over Southern Coffey County.  #5 Northern Valley picked up a 62-0 home shutout over Western Plains/Healy.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 8

Multiple classes have changes this week, but the story of Week 7 was the 36-30 overtime victory for Cheney over Andale in 3A, snapping the Indians’ nation-leading 57-game winning streak.  Below are my rankings heading into the final week of the regular season.

Super 10
1. Washburn Rural (7-0)
2. Manhattan (6-1)
3. Olathe North (6-1)
4. Bishop Miege (6-1)
5. Mill Valley (5-2)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (5-2)
7. Olathe East (5-2)
8. Gardner-Edgerton (6-1)
9. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (6-1)
10. Blue Valley Southwest (6-1)

6A
1. Washburn Rural (7-0)
2. Manhattan (6-1)
3. Olathe North (6-1)
4. Olathe East (5-2)
5. Gardner-Edgerton (6-1)

Notes: 6A sees some changes this week.  Washburn Rural moves up to #1 after a 46-0 shutout at Emporia.  Manhattan moves up to #2 with a 42-0 shutout at Lansing.  Olathe North is up to #3 after an impressive 28-14 win over 5A #1 Mill Valley.  Olathe East is back into the poll at #4 after a 21-7 win over then #1 Gardner-Edgerton.  The Trailblazers fall to #5.  Free State drops from the poll after a 31-24 loss to crosstown rival Lawrence.

Big game in Week 8: Free State looks to bounce back from their first loss as the host #3 Olathe North on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (5-2)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (6-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (6-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (7-0)
5. Maize South (5-2)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley lost to 6A #5 Olathe North 28-14, but both of their losses are to 6A schools and I still feel they’re the top team in 5A.  #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel picked up a big 35-14 win at St. James (4A).  #3 Blue Valley Southwest blasted Wyandotte 50-0 in Kansas City.  #4 Goddard-Eisenhower crushed Salina South 56-7.  Despite a 35-27 loss at 6A Derby, I’m moving Maize South in at #5 after then #5 Salina Central lost 42-35 at home to Goddard.

Big game in Week 8: #4 Goddard-Eisenhower faces crosstown rival Goddard on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (6-1)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (5-2)
3. Louisburg (7-0)
4. Tonganoxie (5-2)
5. Wamego (5-2)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege won 21-13 at 6A Blue Valley West.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas clipped 6A Blue Valley 10-7.  #3 Louisburg rolled to a 33-0 home shutout over Ottawa.  #4 Tonganoxie beat Eudora 21-7.  #5 Wamego bounced back with a big 45-10 win over Clearwater.

Big game in Week 8: #2 St. Thomas Aquinas is at 5A #3 Blue Valley Southwest on Friday night.

3A
1. Cheney (7-0)
2. Andale (6-1)
3. Wichita Collegiate (6-1)
4. Topeka-Hayden (7-0)
5. Clay Center (6-1)

Notes: As noted above, Cheney snapped Andale’s nation-leading 57-game winning streak with a 36-30 home win in overtime.  The Cardinals move to #1, while Andale drops to #2.  #3 Wichita Collegiate posted a 49-0 road shutout over Wichita Trinity.  #4 Topeka-Hayden won 24-7 over rival Holton.  #5 Clay Center beat Rock Creek 26-12.

Big game in Week 8: All five teams are favorites, but an interesting matchup is Wichita Collegiate hosts Hesston on Friday night.  Collegiate’s QB Hudson Ferralez transferred from Hesston in the offseason.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (7-0)
2. Southeast of Saline (7-0)
3. Sabetha (7-0)
4. Ellsworth (7-0)
5. Hoisington (7-0)

Notes: There are no changes in 2A this week.  #1 Nemaha Central cruised to a 30-0 shutout over Riley County.  #2 Southeast of Saline crushed Lyons 60-7.  #3 Sabetha rolled over Horton 56-7.  #4 Ellsworth picked up a 21-0 shutout at Halstead.  #5 Hoisington beat Larned 34-6.

Big game in Week 8: For the second straight season, Southeast of Saline and Ellsworth are undefeated and will meet for the 2A District 5 title.  The 4th-ranked Bearcats host the 2nd-ranked Trojans on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (7-0)
2. Marion (7-0)
3. Smith Center (6-1)
4. St. Marys (4-3)
5. Centralia (6-1)

Notes: No changes in 1A this week either.  #1 Pittsburg-Colgan rolled to a 63-8 win over Erie.  #2 Marion stayed unbeaten with a 59-8 domination at Bluestem.  #3 Smith Center posted a 48-0 home shutout over Sacred Heart.  #4 St. Marys cruised to a 45-6 win over Mission Valley.  #5 Centralia bounced back from their first loss last week with a 46-8 win over Riverside.

Big game in Week 8: #3 Smith Center has a battle at Valley Heights (6-1) for the 1A District 5 title on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (7-0)
2. Lyndon (7-0)
3. Moundridge (7-0)
4. Rawlins County (7-0)
5. South Sumner (7-0)

Notes: 8-Man DI stays the same this week.  #1 Wichita County picked up a 64-0 shutout at Sublette.  #2 Lyndon rolled to a 52-0 shutout over Maranatha Academy.  #3 Moundridge stayed hot with a 48-0 shutout over Goessel.  #4 Rawlins County beat NWKL rival Decatur Community 58-12.  #5 South Sumner beat Argonia & Attica 50-28.

Big game in Week 8: #4 Rawlins County hosts Hoxie (6-1) for the 8-Man DI District 6 championship on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (7-0)
2. Minneola (7-0)
3. Canton-Galva (6-1)
4. Victoria (5-1)
5. Osborne (6-1)

Notes: There are no changes in 8M-DII this week.  #1 Axtell was impressive in a 46-0 shutout win a Frankfort, moving their win streak to 33 games.  #2 Minneola won 74-40 at Hodgeman County.  #3 Canton-Galva cruised to a 60-8 win at St. John’s/Tipton.  #4 Victoria handed Sylvan-Lucas their first loss of the season, winning 54-12 in Sylvan Grove.  #5 Osborne dominated Pike Valley in a 68-0 home shutout.

Big game in Week 8: All five teams are heavy favorites in the final week of the regular season.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (7-0)
2. Ashland (6-1)
3. Cunningham (6-1)
4. Waverly (6-0)
5. Northern Valley (6-1)

Notes: 6-Man stays the same this week as well.  #1 Cheylin picked up a 66-0 shutout at Triplains/Brewster.  #2 Ashland rolled to a 78-42 win at Ingalls.  #3 Cunningham blasted Burrton in a 68-0 shutout.  #4 Waverly handled Peabody-Burns 52-7.  #5 Northern Valley posted a 49-0 shutout at Golden Plains.

Big game in Week 8: All five teams are big favorites this week.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 7

Two more games remain until the playoff brackets are set in the State of Kansas.  Only one 11-man class saw changes this week, but there was some movement in the small classes as we head into Week 7.

Super 10
1. Gardner-Edgerton (6-0)
2. Washburn Rural (6-0)
3. Manhattan (5-1)
4. Mill Valley (5-1)
5. Bishop Miege (5-1)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-2)
7. Free State (6-0)
8. Olathe North (5-1)
9. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (5-1)
10. Andale (6-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (6-0)
2. Washburn Rural (6-0)
3. Manhattan (5-1)
4. Free State (6-0)
5. Olathe North (5-1)

Notes: No changes in 6A this week.  #1 Gardner-Edgerton cruised to a 35-6 win at Lawrence.  #2 Washburn Rural picked up a big 48-15 win over Topeka High.  #3 Manhattan won their rivalry showdown over Junction City 38-7.  #4 Free State rolled to a 49-6 win at Shawnee Mission North.  #5 Olathe North picked up a 48-0 home shutout over Shawnee Mission West.

Big game in Week 7: #5 Olathe North hosts 5A #1 Mill Valley on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (5-1)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (5-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (5-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (6-0)
5. Salina Central (5-1)

Notes: 5A stays the same this week.  #1 Mill Valley picked up a 35-0 home shutout over Shawnee Mission South.  #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel won the Holy War over Bishop Carroll for the first time since 1999 with a 49-20 victory at Riverfront Stadium.  #3 Blue Valley Southwest won a 62-42 shootout over Blue Valley Northwest.  #4 Goddard-Eisenhower beat Arkansas City 38-21.  #5 Salina Central slipped past Andover Central 25-24.

Big game in Week 7: #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel travels to St. James (4A) which is just 1-5, but has played a brutal schedule so far this season and the records could be deceiving in the matchup.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (5-1)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-2)
3. Louisburg (6-0)
4. Tonganoxie (4-2)
5. Wamego (4-2)

Notes: Despite three teams in the top five losing, there are still no changes this week in 4A.  #1 Bishop Miege beat #2 St. Thomas Aquinas 19-7.  #3 Louisburg barely got by #4 Tonganoxie 30-29.  #5 Wamego lost 12-7 at 5A Shawnee Heights.

Big game in Week 7: #4 Tonganoxie hosts Eudora (3-3) on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (6-0)
2. Cheney (6-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (5-1)
4. Topeka-Hayden (6-0)
5. Clay Center (5-1)

Notes: 3A also stays the same this week.  #1 Andale beat #3 Wichita Collegiate on Friday night, but the Spartans gave the Indians one of their biggest challenges in recent memory in the 28-7 game.  Andale has now won 57 straight.  #2 Cheney had no problems in a 70-0 shutout at Nickerson.  #4 Topeka-Hayden posted a 49-0 shutout at Royal Valley.  #5 Clay Center bounced back from last week’s loss to 2A Southeast of Saline with a 53-0 shutout at Concordia.

Big game in Week 7: #1 Andale heads to #2 Cheney on Friday night.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (6-0)
2. Southeast of Saline (6-0)
3. Sabetha (6-0)
4. Ellsworth (6-0)
5. Hoisington (6-0)

Notes: 2A follows suit with no changes this week.  #1 Nemaha Central won a 24-0 shutout at Minneapolis.  #2 Southeast of Saline had little problem in a 46-14 win at Hillsboro.  #3 Sabetha crushed Riverside 60-3.  #4 Ellsworth had a battle in the first half, but pulled away for a 33-14 win over Russell.  #5 Hoisington ran away with a 63-15 win at Lakin.

Big game in Week 7: #5 Hoisington faces another one-loss team as they host Larned (5-1) on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (6-0)
2. Marion (6-0)
3. Smith Center (5-1)
4. St. Marys (3-3)
5. Centralia (5-1)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan rolled to a 59-20 win at Columbus.  #2 Marion beat Council Grove 32-14.  #3 Smith Center put up a 56-0 shutout in Belleville over Republic County.  St. Marys moves back into the poll with a 34-18 win at then #5 Jefferson County North, handing JCN their first loss and bouncing them from the top five.  Centralia drops to #5 after their first loss, falling to 2A Garden Plain 35-6.

Big game in Week 7: All five teams are favorites this week.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (6-0)
2. Lyndon (6-0)
3. Moundridge (6-0)
4. Rawlins County (6-0)
5. South Sumner (6-0)

Notes: #1 Wichita County picked up a 66-32 win over then #3 Meade, handing the Buffaloes their first loss and knocking them out of the top five.  #2 Lyndon was challenged but escaped with a 38-34 win at Chase County.  Moundridge is up to #3 after a 60-0 home shutout of Solomon.  Rawlins County moved up to #4 with a 44-18 home win over Quinter.  South Sumner moves in at #5 as they won by forfeit over Wichita Independent to keep their record unblemished.

Big game in Week 7: #5 South Sumner hosts Argonia & Attica (5-1) on Friday night in Caldwell.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (6-0)
2. Minneola (6-0)
3. Canton-Galva (5-1)
4. Victoria (4-1)
5. Osborne (5-1)

Notes: With some teams beating up on each other, 8-Man DII has some teams in the rankings that have lost to teams out of the rankings, but I’m going with a as it sits now attitude with it.  #1 Axtell ran their winning streak to 32 games with a 56-0 shutout at Hanover.  #2 Minneola won by forfeit over Pike Valley due to low numbers.  #3 Canton-Galva won 66-16 over Central Christian.  Victoria is up to #4 with a 46-0 home shutout of Wallace County.  Osborne is back in at #5 after a 76-8 win at Wakefield.  Kinsley drops from #3 out of the poll with a 44-14 loss at South Central.

Big game in Week 7: #1 Axtell could have their biggest test of the season thus far at Frankfort (5-1) on Friday night.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (6-0)
2. Ashland (5-1)
3. Cunningham (5-1)
4. Waverly (5-0)
5. Northern Valley (5-1)

Notes: No changes this week in 6-Man.  #1 Cheylin blasted Western Plains/Healy with an 84-0 shutout.  #2 Ashland won 55-7 over Moscow.  #3 Cunningham picked up a 52-0 shutout at Southern Coffey County.  #4 Waverly was idle.  #5 Northern Valley rolled to a 49-0 shutout over Greeley County.

Big game in Week 7: #2 Ashland is at Ingalls (5-1) on Friday night.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 6

Just three games remain in the 2023 season before the playoffs start.  There was some shifting in some classes this week, specifically in 2A, where I made moves I typically don’t, but one team has been impressive enough to force my hand.  Here’s my look heading into Week 6.

Super 10
1. Gardner-Edgerton (5-0)
2. Washburn Rural (5-0)
3. Manhattan (4-1)
4. Mill Valley (4-1)
5. Bishop Miege (4-1)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-1)
7. Free State (5-0)
8. Olathe North (4-1)
9. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (4-1)
10. Andale (5-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (5-0)
2. Washburn Rural (5-0)
3. Manhattan (4-1)
4. Free State (5-0)
5. Olathe North (4-1)

Notes: #1 Gardner-Edgerton stayed unbeaten with a hard-fought 21-14 win over then #4 Olathe North, which moves to #5.  #2 Washburn Rural won 28-7 at Junction City.  #3 Manhattan got back on track with a 51-7 win over Emporia.  Free State moved up to #4 after a 49-24 win at Shawnee Mission South.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Gardner-Edgerton is on the road at Lawrence (4-1) on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (4-1)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (4-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (4-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (5-0)
5. Salina Central (4-1)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley got back in the win column with a 77-21 victory at Olathe South.  #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel rolled to a 70-12 win at Wichita Southeast.  #3 Blue Valley Southwest won 55-21 at Blue Valley North.  #4 Goddard-Eisenhower stayed unbeaten with a 34-0 shutout at Andover.  Salina Central moves in at #5 after a 34-31 win over then #5 Valley Center, which drops from the poll.

Big game in Week 6: #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel faces Bishop Carroll (2-3) at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (4-1)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-1)
3. Louisburg (5-0)
4. Tonganoxie (4-1)
5. Wamego (4-1)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege found themselves in a battle, but came away with a 28-21 win over 6A Blue Valley.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas stays put despite a 45-44 loss to Kansas City, MO power Rockhurst.  #3 Louisburg beat Eudora 13-7.  Tonganoxie moved up to #4 with a 52-0 shutout at Bonner Springs.  Wamego is back in at #5 after their fourth straight win, beating Field Kindley in Coffeyville 49-14.  Andover Central drops from the poll from #4 with a 35-21 loss at Goddard.

Big game in Week 6: The big showdown in 4A takes place as #1 Bishop Miege is at #2 St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (5-0)
2. Cheney (5-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (5-0)
4. Topeka-Hayden (5-0)
5. Clay Center (4-1)

Notes: #1 Andale now has 56 straight wins with an 85-7 domination over Nickerson.  #2 Cheney picked up a 46-0 home shutout of Smoky Valley.  #3 Wichita Collegiate handled Chapman 41-6.  Topeka-Hayden moves up to # 4 with a 27-0 shutout of Perry-Lecompton.  Clay Center drops one spot to #5 after a tough 22-17 loss to 2A #5 Southeast of Saline.

Big game in Week 6: #3 Wichita Collegiate is at #1 Andale on Friday night.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (5-0)
2. Southeast of Saline (5-0)
3. Sabetha (5-0)
4. Ellsworth (5-0)
5. Hoisington (5-0)

Notes: I typically don’t punish teams for winning games, but there are some changes this week in 2A.  Nemaha Central stays #1 after a 46-0 home shutout over Jefferson West.  Due to some very impressive wins and common opponent scoring differentials, I’m moving Southeast of Saline up to #2 this week after a 22-17 win over then 3A #4 Clay Center.  Sabetha is now #3 with a 27-6 win over Riley County.  Ellsworth is #4 after beating Lyons 72-6.  Hoisington is #5 with a nice 27-19 win at Pratt.

Big game in Week 6: #5 Hoisington is at Lakin (4-1) on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (5-0)
2. Marion (5-0)
3. Smith Center (4-1)
4. Centralia (5-0)
5. Jefferson County North (5-0)

Notes: No changes in 1A this week.  #1 Pittsburg-Colgan blasted Northeast-Arma in a 76-0 shutout.  #2 Marion beat Belle Plaine 55-26.  #3 Smith Center rolled to a 68-6 win at Oakley.  #4 Centralia beat Jackson Heights 48-12.  #5 Jefferson County North posted a 66-0 shutout at Oskaloosa.

Big game in Week 6: #5 Jefferson County North hosts St. Marys, which is just 2-3, but hasn’t lost to a 1A school since moving down in 2022.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (5-0)
2. Lyndon (5-0)
3. Meade (5-0)
4. Moundridge (5-0)
5. Rawlins County (5-0)

Notes: No changes in 8-Man DI this week.  #1 Wichita County put up a 64-0 shutout at Spearville.  #2 Lyndon cruised past previously unbeaten Madison 66-16.  #3 Meade rolled to a 66-6 win over South Gray.  #4 Moundridge was impressive again in a 58-20 win at Little River.  #5 Rawlins County posted a 66-0 shutout at Stockton.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Wichita County hosts #3 Meade on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (5-0)
2. Minneola (5-0)
3. Canton-Galva (4-1)
4. Kinsley (5-0)
5. Victoria (3-1)

Notes: No changes in 8-Man-DII this week.  #1 Axtell picked up a 68-0 home shutout over Blue Valley-Randolph, which was their 31st straight win.  #2 Minneola cruised past Satanta 62-12.  #3 Canton-Galva won a 50-0 shutout at Fairfield.  #4 Kinsley shutout Central Christian 50-0 in Hutchinson.  #5 Victoria was idle.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Axtell will be a favorite at TVL rival Hanover (3-2) which has won three straight games.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (5-0)
2. Ashland (4-1)
3. Cunningham (4-1)
4. Waverly (5-0)
5. Northern Valley (4-1)

Notes: No changes this week in 6-Man.  #1 Cheylin picked up a 68-0 shutout at Greeley County in Tribune.  #2 Ashland won by forfeit over Rolla.  #3 Cunningham posted a 52-0 shutout at home against Pawnee Heights.  #4 Waverly beat previously unbeaten Chetopa 55-20.  #5 Northern Valley had no issues in a 56-6 win at Triplains/Brewster.

Big game in Week 6: #4 Waverly is open this week and the other four teams will be big favorites.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 5

The 2023 high school football regular season has hit the halfway point.  There is a bit of shifting in the higher classes after some upsets this week.  Here are my rankings heading into Week 5.

Super 10
1. Gardner-Edgerton (4-0)
2. Washburn Rural (4-0)
3. Manhattan (3-1)
4. Mill Valley (3-1)
5. Bishop Miege (3-1)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0)
7. Olathe North (4-0)
8. Free State (4-0)
9. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (3-1)
10. Andale (4-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (4-0)
2. Washburn Rural (4-0)
3. Manhattan (3-1)
4. Olathe North (4-0)
5. Free State (4-0)

Notes: #1 Gardner-Edgerton was impressive in a 49-10 win at 5A #1 Mill Valley.  Washburn Rural moves up from #5 to #2 after a 35-28 win over then #2 Manhattan, snapping the Indians’ 16-game winning streak.  Manhattan drops to #3 with the loss.  Olathe North moves in at #4 after a 54-31 win over Shawnee Mission South.  Free State is now #5 with a 41-12 win over Shawnee Mission Northwest.  Wichita Northwest drops out of the poll from #3 after a 34-28 loss to Wichita East.  Lawrence drops from #4 with a 24-6 loss at Olathe East.

Big game in Week 5: #1 Gardner-Edgerton hosts #4 Olathe North on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (3-1)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (3-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (3-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (4-0)
5. Valley Center (3-1)

Notes: Despite a 49-10 loss to 6A #1 Gardner-Edgerton, I’m keeping Mill Valley at #1 this week.  #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel won 48-21 over Battle High School out of Columbia, MO.  #3 Blue Valley Southwest beat previously unbeaten Spring Hill 63-35.  #4 Goddard-Eisenhower was impressive in a 41-17 win over 4A #3 Andover Central.  Valley Center moves in at #5 with a 42-14 win at Campus.  Hutchinson falls from #5 after a 27-17 loss to Derby.

Big game in Week 5: #5 Valley Center is at Salina Central (3-1) on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (3-1)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0)
3. Louisburg (4-0)
4. Andover Central (3-1)
5. Tonganoxie (3-1)

Notes: Bishop Miege stays at #1 even after a hard-fought 21-14 loss to Missouri power Rockhurst.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas won 21-6 over St. James.  Louisburg moves up to #3 with a 45-8 win at Bonner Springs.  Andover Central drops one spot to #4 after their 41-17 loss to 5A #4 Goddard-Eisenhower.  Tonganoxie is into the poll at #5 with a 49-21 win at Paola.  Eudora falls out of the poll after a 17-14 home loss to Ottawa.

Big game in Week 5: #2 St. Thomas Aquinas gets their shot at Rockhurst (MO) as they host the Hawklets on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (4-0)
2. Cheney (4-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (4-0)
4. Clay Center (4-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (4-0)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale ran their win streak to 55 games, blasting Smoky Valley 74-0.  #2 Cheney picked up a 49-0 shutout at Pratt.  #3 Wichita Collegiate cruised to a 55-8 win at Clearwater.  #4 Clay Center won 75-13 over Hiawatha.  #5 Topeka-Hayden coasted to a 64-0 shutout at Jefferson West.

Big game in Week 5: In a non-district game, #4 Clay Center hosts 2A #5 Southeast of Saline on Friday night.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (4-0)
2. Sabetha (4-0)
3. Ellsworth (4-0)
4. Hoisington (4-0)
5. Southeast of Saline (4-0)

Notes: No changes again in 2A this week.  #1 Nemaha Central picked up another shutout, blasting Horton 69-0.  #2 Sabetha won 28-6 at Minneapolis.  #3 Ellsworth won 43-15 at Hillsboro.  #4 Hoisington blasted Southwestern Heights 63-6.  #5 Southeast of Saline picked up a 24-0 shutout at home over Halstead.

Big game in Week 5: The same as 3A as #5 Southeast of Saline is at 3A #4 Clay Center on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (4-0)
2. Marion (4-0)
3. Smith Center (3-1)
4. Centralia (4-0)
5. Jefferson County North (4-0)

Notes: 1A stays the same this week as well.  #1 Pittsburg-Colgan posted a 53-0 shutout at Southeast-Cherokee.  #2 Marion won 36-13 at Remington.  #3 Smith Center held on for a 16-14 home win over Wabaunsee.  #4 Centralia handled Troy 36-6.  #5 Jefferson County North handed McLouth their first loss with a 52-6 win in Winchester.

Big game in Week 5: #4 Centralia hosts Jackson Heights (4-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (4-0)
2. Lyndon (4-0)
3. Meade (4-0)
4. Moundridge (4-0)
5. Rawlins County (4-0)

Notes: #1 Wichita County picked up a 52-0 road shutout against St. John.  #2 Lyndon won 58-30 at Cair Paravel.  #3 Meade won 68-18 over previously unbeaten Sublette on Saturday.  #4 Moundridge picked up a 48-0 home shutout over Pretty Prairie.  Rawlins County moves in at #5 after an impressive 54-6 win over Hill City.  Burlingame drops from #5 after a 46-0 shutout loss at home to Chase County.

Big game in Week 5: #2 Lyndon hosts Madison (4-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (4-0)
2. Minneola (4-0)
3. Canton-Galva (3-1)
4. Kinsley (4-0)
5. Victoria (3-1)

Notes: No changes in 8-Man-DII this week.  #1 Axtell picked up their 30th straight win, beating Linn 56-6.  #2 Minneola won 60-32 at Bucklin.  #3 Canton-Galva beat Norwich 68-14.  #4 Kinsley handed South Barber their first loss, winning 56-30.  #5 Victoria also beat previously unbeaten Central Plains with a 48-0 shutout in Claflin.

Big game in Week 5: #4 Kinsley is at Central Christian (3-1) in Hutchinson on Friday night.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (4-0)
2. Ashland (3-1)
3. Cunningham (3-1)
4. Waverly (4-0)
5. Northern Valley (3-1)

Notes: No changes this week in 6-Man.  #1 Cheylin won 54-6 over #5 Northern Valley.  #2 Ashland beat previously unbeaten Deerfield 58-6.  #3 Cunningham picked up a 50-0 shutout over Tescott.  #4 Waverly rolled to a 45-0 shutout at Centre.

Big game in Week 5: #4 Waverly hosts Chetopa (4-0) on Friday night.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 4

After Week 3 of high school football in Kansas, there was some shifting in the rankings.  There’s a new #1 in 6-Man this week.  Here is my look heading into Week 4.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (3-0)
2. Gardner-Edgerton (3-0)
3. Manhattan (3-0)
4. Wichita Northwest (3-0)
5. Bishop Miege (3-0)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (3-0)
7. Lawrence (3-0)
8. Washburn Rural (3-0)
9. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (2-1)
10. Andale (3-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (3-0)
2. Manhattan (3-0)
3. Wichita Northwest (3-0)
4. Lawrence (3-0)
5. Washburn Rural (3-0)

Notes: No changes this week in 6A.  #1 Gardner-Edgerton rolled to another shutout, beating Olathe West 42-0.  #3 Manhattan won their 16th straight, beating 5A #5 Hays 49-7.  #3 Wichita Northwest beat 5A #2 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 42-35.  #4 Lawrence slipped past Shawnee Mission East 31-28.  #5 Washburn Rural cruised past Kansas City-Piper 51-15.

Big game in Week 4: #1 Gardner-Edgerton is at 5A #1 Mill Valley on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (3-0)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (2-1)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (2-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (3-0)
5. Hutchinson (2-1)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley had a battle, but got past Shawnee Mission Northwest 14-7.  Despite a 42-35 loss to 6A #3 Wichita Northwest, I’m keeping Kapaun-Mt. Carmel at #2.  #3 Blue Valley Southwest won 38-28 at Blue Valley West.  #4 Goddard-Eisenhower picked up a 21-7 win at Valley Center.  Hutchinson moves in at #5 with a 28-23 win at Maize South.  Hays falls out after a 49-7 loss at 6A #2 Manhattan.

Big game in Week 4: I’ll keep it the same as 6A as #1 Mill Valley hosts 6A #1 Gardner-Edgerton Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (3-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (3-0)
3. Andover Central (3-0)
4. Louisburg (3-0)
5. Eudora (2-1)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege coasted to a 48-7 win over St. James.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas picked up a 41-0 shutout over Blue Valley North.  #3 Andover Central beat Arkansas City 25-6.  Louisburg moves in at #4 with a 62-7 win at Baldwin.  Eudora drops to #5 after a 31-28 loss to Spring Hill (5A, 3-0).  Chanute falls out from #5 with a 38-21 loss at Tonganoxie.

Big game in Week 4: #3 Andover Central is at 5A #4 Goddard-Eisenhower on Friday night.  Also of note, #1 Bishop Miege goes across the state line to face Kansas City, MO power Rockhurst.

3A
1. Andale (3-0)
2. Cheney (3-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (3-0)
4. Clay Center (3-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (3-0)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale picked up their 54th straight win with a 73-0 shutout at El Dorado.  #2 Cheney cruised to a 41-0 shutout at Douglass.  #3 Wichita Collegiate beat Wellington 56-20.  #4 Clay Center won an NCKL battle 26-13 at Abilene.  #5 Topeka-Hayden won 49-23 at Rossville.

Big game in Week 4: All five teams will be big favorites this week.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (3-0)
2. Sabetha (3-0)
3. Ellsworth (3-0)
4. Hoisington (3-0)
5. Southeast of Saline (3-0)

Notes: 2A stays the same this week as well.  #1 Nemaha Central posted a 26-0 shutout at Perry-Lecompton.  #2 Sabetha rolled to a 50-14 win at Jefferson West.  #3 Ellsworth won 39-3 at Sacred Heart.  #4 Hoisington crushed Lyons 60-0.  #5 Southeast of Saline dominated previously unbeaten Minneapolis 60-6.

Big game in Week 4: #3 Ellsworth opens district play at Hillsboro (2-1) on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (3-0)
2. Marion (3-0)
3. Smith Center (2-1)
4. Centralia (3-0)
5. Jefferson County North (3-0)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan picked up a 35-0 shutout at Riverton.  #2 Marion had a tough test, but won 28-21 at Hutchinson-Trinity.  Smith Center moves up to #3 with a 30-6 win at previously unbeaten Russell (2A).  Centralia is up to #4 with a 48-6 win at Onaga.  Jefferson County North moves in for the first time after a 36-34 win at Wabaunsee.  Sedgwick drops from the poll after a rough 41-6 loss at Sterling.

Big game in Week 4: #5 Jefferson County North hosts McLouth (3-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (3-0)
2. Lyndon (3-0)
3. Meade (3-0)
4. Moundridge (3-0)
5. Burlingame (3-0)

Notes: #1 Wichita County cruised to a 48-14 win over then unbeaten Hoxie.  #2 Lyndon won 70-24 at Frankfort.  #3 Meade cruised to a 69-12 victory over Satanta.  Moundridge moves in at #4 with an impressive 60-0 shutout over Wichita Independent.  Burlingame is in at #5 after a 51-0 shutout against Hartford.  West Elk drops from #4 after a 48-28 loss at Central-Burden and Clifton-Clyde falls from #5 with a 52-6 loss to 8-Man DII #1 Axtell.

Big game in Week 4: #3 Meade travels to Sublette (3-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (3-0)
2. Minneola (3-0)
3. Canton-Galva (2-1)
4. Kinsley (3-0)
5. Victoria (2-1)

Notes: #1 Axtell has now won 29 consecutive after a 52-6 victory over then 8M-DI #5 Clifton-Clyde.  Minneola is up to #2 with a 58-12 win over South Gray.  Canton-Galva moves up to #3 with a 70-24 win over Solomon.  Kinsley is now #4 after a 48-0 shutout at Macksville.  Victoria moves back in at #5 with a 46-0 shutout of Ness City.  Osborne drops from the poll from #2 after a 28-26 home loss to Hanover.

Big game in Week 4: #4 Kinsley hosts South Barber (3-0) on Friday night.

6-Man
1. Cheylin (3-0)
2. Ashland (2-1)
3. Cunningham (2-1)
4. Waverly (3-0)
5. Northern Valley (3-0)

Notes: There’s a shift in 6-Man as then #3 Cheylin won 62-32 at then #1 Ashland on Friday night.  Cheylin is now #1, Ashland moves to #2 and despite a 48-0 win at Chase, Cunningham falls to #3 with a head-to-head loss to Ashland.  #4 Waverly rolled to a 61-0 shutout at Southern Cloud.  #5 Northern Valley beat Ingalls 30-25.

Big game in Week 4: #1 Cheylin welcomes #5 Northern Valley to town on Friday night.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 3

Week 2 of the high school football season saw more upsets, but many teams saw improvement after their season openers.  Here are my rankings headed into Week 3.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (2-0)
2. Gardner-Edgerton (2-0)
3. Manhattan (2-0)
4. Wichita Northwest (2-0)
5. Bishop Miege (2-0)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (2-0)
7. Lawrence (2-0)
8. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (2-0)
9. Washburn Rural (2-0)
10. Andale (2-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (2-0)
2. Manhattan (2-0)
3. Wichita Northwest (2-0)
4. Lawrence (2-0)
5. Washburn Rural (2-0)

Notes: #1 Gardner-Edgerton cruised to a 58-0 shutout at Shawnee Mission North.  #2 Manhattan won their 15th straight, beating Topeka High 55-19.  #3 Wichita Northwest rolled to a 41-13 win at Wichita Heights.  #4 Lawrence handled Olathe West 49-14.  #5 Washburn Rural won 28-14 over then 5A #3 De Soto.

Big game in Week 3: #3 Wichita Northwest is at 5A #4 Kapaun-Mt. Carmel on Friday.

5A
1. Mill Valley (2-0)
2. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (2-0)
3. Blue Valley Southwest (1-1)
4. Goddard-Eisenhower (2-0)
5. Hays (2-0)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley crushed Shawnee Mission West 65-7.  Kapaun-Mt. Carmel moves up from #5 to #2 with a 43-29 win at 6A Wichita East.  Blue Valley Southwest falls a spot to #3 after a 51-28 loss to 4A #1 Bishop Miege.  Goddard-Eisenhower is in at #4 after a 44-28 win at then #4 Salina Central as the Mustangs drop out of the poll.  Hays is in at #5 after a late score gave them a 28-27 win over rival Great Bend.  De Soto falls from my top five after a 28-14 loss to 6A #5 Washburn Rural.

Big game in Week 3: #4 Hays is at 6A #2 Manhattan on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (2-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (2-0)
3. Andover Central (2-0)
4. Eudora (2-0)
5. Chanute (2-0)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege picked up an impressive 51-28 win at then 5A #2 Blue Valley Southwest.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas won 28-14 over 6A Blue Valley Northwest.  Andover Central is up to #3 after a 24-21 win at 5A Maize.  Eudora is now #4 with a 55-8 win at Bonner Springs.  Chanute moves into the poll at #5 after a 27-0 shutout at Pittsburg.  St. James falls from the poll with a 17-3 loss to 6A Blue Valley.

Big game in Week 3: #1 Bishop Miege hosts St. James (0-2) on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (2-0)
2. Cheney (2-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (2-0)
4. Clay Center (2-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (2-0)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale won their 53rd consecutive game, beating Rose Hill 64-13.  #2 Cheney rolled to a 41-14 win over Garden Plain.  #3 Wichita Collegiate cruised past El Dorado 60-7.  #4 Clay Center posted a 61-0 home shutout of Chapman.  #5 Topeka-Hayden blasted 2A #2 Silver Lake 56-7.

Big game in Week 3: #4 Clay Center has a big NCKL showdown at Abilene (4A, 2-0) on Friday night.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (2-0)
2. Sabetha (2-0)
3. Ellsworth (2-0)
4. Hoisington (2-0)
5. Southeast of Saline (2-0)

Notes: #1 Nemaha Central put up a 62-0 shutout at Royal Valley.  Sabetha moves up to #2 with a 24-8 win over Holton.  Ellsworth is now #3 after a 62-6 win over Republic County.  Hoisington is up to #4 after winning 38-14 at Halstead.  Southeast of Saline moves into the top five with a 52-6 win over Beloit.  Silver Lake falls from #2 out of the poll after a 56-7 loss at 3A #5 Topeka-Hayden.

Big game in Week 3: #5 Southeast of Saline hosts NCAA foe Minneapolis (2-0) on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (2-0)
2. Marion (2-0)
3. Sedgwick (2-0)
4. Smith Center (1-1)
5. Centralia (2-0)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan was impressive in a 47-8 win over Girard.  Marion moves up to #2 after a 19-0 shutout at Sterling.  Sedgwick is now #3 with a 35-20 win over Inman.  Smith Center falls to #4 after a tough 12-8 loss to MCL rival Norton (2A, 2-0).  Centralia moves in at #5 with a 44-32 win over Christ Prep on Saturday.  Defending champion St. Marys falls out of the poll as they are now 0-2 with a 32-6 loss at Rock Creek.

Big game in Week 3: #4 Smith Center travels to Russell (2A, 2-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (2-0)
2. Lyndon (2-0)
3. Meade (2-0)
4. West Elk (2-0)
5. Clifton-Clyde (2-0)

Notes: No changes this week.  #1 Wichita County blasted Elkhart 88-0.  #2 Lyndon picked up a 62-0 home shutout of Herington.  #3 Meade won 54-34 over Hodgeman County.  #4 West Elk ran past Oxford 56-6.  #5 Clifton-Clyde rolled to a 46-0 shutout at Blue Valley-Randolph.

Big game in Week 3: #5 Clifton-Clyde is at 8M-DII #1 Axtell on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (2-0)
2. Osborne (2-0)
3. Minneola (2-0)
4. Canton-Galva (1-1)
5. Kinsley (2-0)

Notes: #1 Axtell ran their win streak to 28 games with a 52-6 victory at Hartford.  Osborne is up to #2 after a 60-0 home shutout of Stockton.  Minneola moves to #3 with a 68-20 win at Spearville.  Canton-Galva is now #4 after a 62-14 win over Goessel.  Kinsley is in to the top five after a 50-0 shutout over Otis-Bison.  Dighton drops from #2 out of the poll with a 30-12 loss at Rawlins County.

Big game in Week 3: The same as 8-Man DI as #1 Axtell hosts DI #5 Clifton-Clyde Friday night.

6-Man
1. Ashland (2-0)
2. Cunningham (1-1)
3. Cheylin (2-0)
4. Waverly (2-0)
5. Northern Valley (2-0)

Notes: #1 Ashland was challenged, but won 48-31 at Golden Plains.  #2 Cunningham posted a 53-0 shutout at Moscow.  #3 Cheylin rolled to a 47-0 shutout at Weskan.  #4 Waverly picked up a 45-0 shutout at home over Altoona-Midway.  Northern Valley takes Tescott’s spot at #5 after the Huskies beat the Trojans 40-7 in Almena.

Big game in Week 3: #1 Ashland hosts #3 Cheylin on Friday.

2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 2

The 2023 high school football season is underway in Kansas.  Week one saw some interesting results and what some may consider upsets.  It’s also an example of how things can change from year to year and why teams always have a new hope when a new season starts.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (1-0)
2. Gardner-Edgerton (1-0)
3. Manhattan (1-0)
4. Wichita Northwest (1-0)
5. Bishop Miege (1-0)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0)
7. Blue Valley Southwest (1-0)
8. Lawrence (1-0)
9. De Soto (1-0)
10. Andale (1-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (1-0)
2. Manhattan (1-0)
3. Wichita Northwest (1-0)
4. Lawrence (1-0)
5. Washburn Rural (1-0)

Notes: #1 Gardner-Edgerton opened the season with a 42-7 win at Shawnee Mission East.  #2 Manhattan began their title defense with a 33-19 win over Derby.  #3 Wichita Northwest crushed then 5A #3 Bishop Carroll 59-7.  #4 Lawrence won 41-22 at Olathe South.  Washburn Rural moves in at #5 with a 26-25 win over then #5 Wichita East.  The Blue Aces drop from my poll.

Big game in Week 2: #5 Washburn Rural hosts 5A #3 De Soto on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (1-0)
2. Blue Valley Southwest (1-0)
3. De Soto (1-0)
4. Salina Central (1-0)
5. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (1-0)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley opened the season with a 42-13 win over Olathe Northwest.  #2 Blue Valley Southwest won 33-19 at Blue Valley.  De Soto moves up to #3 after a 42-21 win over Lansing.  Salina Central picked up a 54-28 win over city rival Salina South and moved up to #4.  Kapaun-Mt. Carmel is in at #5 after a 72-14 win over Wichita South on Thursday.  Bishop Carroll drops from the poll after a 59-7 loss to 6A #3 Wichita Northwest to start the season.

Big game in Week 2: #2 Blue Valley Southwest hosts 4A #1 Bishop Miege on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (1-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0)
3. St. James (0-1)
4. Andover Central (1-0)
5. Eudora (1-0)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege rolled to a 54-14 win over Blue Valley North.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas won 49-42 at Blue Valley West.  #3 St. James lost 30-21 at 6A Blue Valley Northwest.  I’ll keep them in the same spot this week.  #4 Andover Central beat Buhler 20-14.  Eudora moves in at #5 after a 48-7 win over Baldwin.  Wamego falls out of the Top 5 after a 19-7 loss to Clay Center to open the season.

Big game in Week 2: #2 St. Thomas Aquinas host 6A Blue Valley Northwest (1-0) on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (1-0)
2. Cheney (1-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (1-0)
4. Clay Center (1-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (1-0)

Notes: #1 Andale extended their winning streak to 52 games with a 75-28 win over Wellington.  #2 Cheney cruised to a 34-7 win at then 2A #4 Kingman.  #3 Wichita Collegiate picked up a 35-0 shutout win at Rose Hills.  #4 Clay Center opened with an impressive 19-7 win over Wamego.  #5 Topeka-Hayden also impressed in a 41-7 win at Olpe.

Big game in Week 2: #5 Topeka-Hayden hosts 2A #2 Silver Lake on Friday night.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (1-0)
2. Silver Lake (1-0)
3. Sabetha (1-0)
4. Ellsworth (1-0)
5. Hoisington (1-0)

Notes: #1 Nemaha Central began defense of their 2A title with an impressive 31-6 win over 3A Holton.  #2 Silver Lake opened with a 40-24 home win over Riley County.  #3 Sabetha picked up a 30-0 shutout over Perry-Lecompton.  Ellsworth moves up to #4 after a 22-14 win at Beloit.  Hoisington is into the poll at #5 with a 39-6 win over Hesston.  Kingman falls out of the poll after a 34-7 loss to 3A #2 Cheney to open the season.

Big game in Week 2: #5 Hoisington travels to Halstead (1-0) on Friday night.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (1-0)
2. Smith Center (1-0)
3. Marion (1-0)
4. Sedgwick (1-0)
5. St. Marys (0-1)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan opened with a 27-20 win over Frontenac.  #2 Smith Center beat MCL rival Phillipsburg 28-20.  Marion enters at #3 after a 46-22 win over then #3 Inman, which fell out of my poll.  Sedgwick is in at #4 after a 42-7 blowout win at Hutchinson-Trinity.  Despite a season opening 30-22 loss at Rossville, I’ll keep St. Marys at #5.  Conway Springs falls out from #4 after a 20-14 loss at Garden Plain.

Big game in Week 2: #2 Smith Center hosts league rival Norton (2A, 1-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (1-0)
2. Lyndon (1-0)
3. Meade (1-0)
4. West Elk (1-0)
5. Clifton-Clyde (1-0)

Notes: #1 Wichita County opened with a 54-0 shutout of Wheatland-Grinnell.  #2 Lyndon also won 54-0 over Lebo.  Meade moves up to #3 after a hard-fought 22-14 win over South Central.  West Elk is into the poll at #4 with a 70-8 win over Udall.  Clifton-Clyde was impressive in a 50-8 win over Hanover and moves in at #5.  Dropping from the poll were Hill City from #3 after a 28-16 season-opening loss to Osborne at home and Chase County with a 38-20 loss to Frankfort.

Big game in Week 2: #3 Meade hosts 8M-DII Hodgeman County (1-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (1-0)
2. Dighton (1-0)
3. Osborne (1-0)
4. Minneola (1-0)
5. Canton-Galva (0-1)

Notes: #1 Axtell won their 27th straight game, beating Cair Paravel 60-44.  Dighton moves up to #2 with a 52-16 win over Decatur Community.  Osborne is #3 after an impressive 28-16 win in their opener at then 8M-DI #3 Hill City.  Minneola is in at #4 after a 68-14 win over Kiowa County.  Canton-Galva drops from #4 to #5 with a 42-40 loss to traditional 8M-DI power Little River.  Victoria drops from the poll after a 20-14 loss at Kinsley.

Big game in Week 2: #2 Dighton is at Rawlins County (1-0) on Friday night.

6-Man
1. Ashland (1-0)
2. Cunningham (0-1)
3. Cheylin (1-0)
4. Waverly (1-0)
5. Tescott (1-0)

Notes: Cunningham and Ashland will swap spots with the Bluejays moving up to #1 after a 32-22 win over the Wildcats in the season opener.  The season will play itself out, but those two seem to be the right picks at the top.  #3 Cheylin picked up a 50-0 shutout over Cheyenne Wells (CO).  #4 Waverly rolled to a 54-6 win over Southern Coffey County.  #5 Tescott started with a 45-26 win over Peabody-Burns.

Big game in Week 2: #5 Tescott is at Northern Valley (1-0) on Friday night.