2023 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Preseason

The 2023 high school football season is about a week away and I’ll be posting rankings each week as I’ve done in the past.  As always, the previous year’s state champion will have a spot in the preseason Top 5 in their respective class.  I guess I would call it my courtesy as even though there’s usually an idea of how teams will look going into the season, it’s always best to see it play out.  The record you see here indicates last season’s finish.  Thanks to Kansas Pregame magazine for the resource to help out with my preseason research.  My OPINION is not that of my employer.  Best of luck to all the teams in the 2023 season.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (12-1)
2. Gardner-Edgerton (9-4)
3. Manhattan (13-0)
4. Wichita Northwest (8-3)
5. Bishop Miege (11-2)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3)
7. Blue Valley Southwest (6-6)
8. Bishop Carroll (7-3)
9. Lawrence (6-4)
10. Andale (13-0)

6A
1. Gardner-Edgerton (9-4)
2. Manhattan (13-0, 6A Champs)
3. Wichita Northwest (8-3)
4. Lawrence (6-4)
5. Wichita East (6-4)

Notes: #1 Gardner-Edgerton was the 6A state runner-up in 2022 and returns seven starters on offense and four on defense.  #2 Manhattan won the state title in 2022, but they will need to replace a good group of graduates as they return just five offensive starters, but do have eight back on defense.  #3 Wichita Northwest brings back seven starters on offense and eight on defense after advancing to the 6A quarters in 2022.  #4 Lawrence returns seven on offense and six on defense.  #5 Wichita East looks to make a jump this year as they bring back nine offensive starters and six on defense.

Big game in Week 1: #2 Manhattan opens the season at home against Derby, who is not in my preseason Top 5 for the first time since 2011 when I first began posting these on the blog.

5A
1. Mill Valley (12-1, 5A Champs)
2. Blue Valley Southwest (6-6)
3. Bishop Carroll (7-3)
4. De Soto (9-2)
5. Salina Central (8-3)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley won their third straight state title in 2022.  They bring back eight starters on offense, headlined by OL Gus Hawkins, who is committed to K-State and the #2 ranked prospect in Kansas according to 247Sports.  The Jaguars also bring back four defensive starters.  #2 Blue Valley Southwest returns eight starters on offense and 11 with starting experience on defense after making the 5A semis last season.  #3 Bishop Carroll returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.  OL Hank Purvis is a UNLV commit and the 10th ranked prospect in Kansas according to 247Sports.  #4 De Soto brings back seven starters on offense and six on defense.  #5 Salina Central brings back six starters on each side.

Big game in Week 1: #3 Bishop Carroll opens the season at 6A #3 Wichita Northwest.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (11-2, 4A Champs)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3)
3. St. James (6-5)
4. Andover Central (7-4)
5. Wamego (12-1)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege reported 125 players out in 2023 and of those eight offensive and six defensive starters return from the defending state champions.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas brings back seven starters on offense and ten on defense from a 4A state semifinal qualifier.  #3 St. James returns ten starters on offense and five on defense.  #4 Andover Central has nine returning starters on offense with ten back on defense.  #5 Wamego was the state runner-up in 2022 but will need to replace key players, bringing back seven starters on offense and six on defense.

Big game in Week 1: #5 Wamego opens the season with a league game at 3A #4 Clay Center.

3A
1. Andale (13-0, 3A Champs)
2. Cheney (8-3)
3. Wichita Collegiate (8-2)
4. Clay Center (8-4)
5. Topeka-Hayden (10-2)

Notes: #1 Andale has won four straight state titles and 51 consecutive games coming into 2023.  They have six starters returning on both offense and defense as they look for their fifth straight title.  #2 Cheney brings back 14 players that have starting varsity experience.  #3 Wichita Collegiate brings back eight starters on offense and seven on defense, but they also got former Hesston QB Hudson Ferralez to lead their offense.  #4 Clay Center made the semis in 2022 and returns 11 players with starting experience.  #5 Topeka-Hayden was also a semifinalist last season and brings back eight starters on offense and five on defense.

Big game in Week 1: #2 Cheney will travel to 2A #4 Kingman to open the 2023 season.

2A
1. Nemaha Central (13-0, 2A Champs)
2. Silver Lake (6-3)
3. Sabetha (9-3)
4. Kingman (12-1)
5. Ellsworth (8-2)

Notes: 2A is one of the biggest question marks coming into 2023 for me.  I’m keeping Nemaha Central at #1 after winning the state title in 2022.  They will have plenty of players to replace as they bring back six starters on each side.  #2 Silver Lake looks to get back into the discussion with eight starters back on offense and nine on defense.  #3 Sabetha was a state semifinalist in 2022 and returns 12 players with starting experience.  #4 Kingman was the 2A runner-up, but lost many key skill players.  They do return six starters on offense and seven on defense.  #5 Ellsworth is likely the most experienced 2A team with virtually all of their starters and key players returning.

Big game in Week 1: #1 Nemaha Central hosts traditional power Holton from 3A to open the season.

1A
1. Pittsburg-Colgan (9-2)
2. Smith Center (8-3)
3. Inman (11-2)
4. Conway Springs (8-4)
5. St. Marys (11-2, 1A Champs)

Notes: #1 Pittsburg-Colgan brings back ten starters on each side after making the quarterfinals in 2022.  #2 Smith Center returns six starters on offense and eight on defense under first-year head coach Mike Rogers.  #3 Inman was the state runner-up in 2022 and returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense, but they did lose QB Tanner Heckel, who is now at Lyndon.  #4 Conway Springs brings back six offensive starters and seven on defense.  #5 St. Marys won the state title in 2022.  Despite returning nine starters, they will need to replace one of the best athletes in the state in Keller Hurla.

Big game in Week 1: #5 St. Marys is at traditional 2A power Rossville in their season opener.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (13-0, 8M-DI Champs)
2. Lyndon (8-3)
3. Hill City (10-2)
4. Meade (9-2)
5. Chase County (9-2)

Notes: #1 Wichita County brings back six starters on both sides after winning the state title in 2022.  #2 Lyndon returns five starters on offense and six on defense.  As stated above, Tanner Heckel comes in from Lyndon at QB and OL and K-State commit Kaedin Massey is the third best prospect in Kansas according to 247Sports.  #3 Hill City has four starters back on both sides after making the semis last season.  #4 Meade brings back 11 players that have had starting experience.  #5 Chase County has six starters back on both sides.

Big game in Week 1: #3 Hill City hosts 8M-DII #5 Osborne to open 2023.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (13-0, 8M-DII Champs)
2. Victoria (10-1)
3. Dighton (11-1)
4. Canton-Galva (11-1)
5. Osborne (9-2)

Notes: #1 Axtell is the two-time defending state champion and brings a 26-game winning streak into 2023.  They will need to replace Isaac Detweiler, one of the top 8-Man players in the state over the past four seasons, but they do bring back five starters on offense and four on defense.  #2 Victoria returns five starters on offense and four on defense after making the quarterfinals last season.  #3 Dighton made the semis and returns six starters on offense and five on defense.  #4 Canton-Galva needs to replace some important skill players in Garrett Maltbie and Cason Mastre, but they have a veteran coach with four starters back on offense and three on defense.  #5 Osborne returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.

Big game in Week 1: #4 Canton-Galva takes on one of the top 8M-DI programs in recent history, traveling to Little River to open the season.

6-Man
1. Cunningham (12-0, 6-Man Champs)
2. Ashland (10-2)
3. Cheylin (10-2)
4. Waverly (11-1)
5. Tescott (9-2)

Notes: #1 Cunningham was the first official KSHSAA 6-Man state champion last season and they bring back six starters on each side.  #2 Ashland was the state runner-up and they return six starters on each side as well.  #3 Cheylin brings back all six starters after making the semis last season.  #4 Waverly brings back three on offense and four on defense.  #5 Tescott came onto the scene in their first year as a 6-man team and returns four offensive starters and three on defense.

Big game in Week 1: The top spot in my rankings is up for grabs right out of the gate as #1 Cunningham hosts #2 Ashland to open 2023.

These are my picks for the 2023 Preseason. Take it with a grain of salt, as last season, just three of my preseason #1’s ended up winning the state title (5A: Mill Valley; 3A: Andale; 8M-DII: Axtell). Thanks for reading, and as always, any feedback is welcomed.

Two Weeks of Pain. Two Weeks of Thanks.

Every year as 8-Man All-Star Game Week finishes, I like to take time to reflect. I was going to put a tweet together, but I knew this story was too long for only a tweet.

Talking/writing about myself isn’t really my forte. I can do it. There are at least four other posts on this blog that show it. I only do it when I feel it’s important and it’s usually pointed to thank others for everything they’ve done for me to still be enjoying this life. This post won’t be much different in tone, but it will be different in who helped me get here.

Years ago after the 8-Man All-Star Games, I would pack my bags and immediately head to muscular dystrophy camp for a week. There wasn’t much time to reflect. Nowadays camp has moved to the same week as the 8-Man All-Star Games and with lots of changes in my life since 2014, I’ve never been able to make it back. I now am relegated to seeing those kids grow up on social media. I’m happy for the experiences they have. I’m sad I can’t be there in person. That’s pain.

This year and every year since 2015, I have had the time to reflect on a long week of recognizing the accomplishments of so many young men that have played in the 8-Man All-Star Games. 80 kids are selected to play in the game each year. Each year except for 2020 when COVID cancelled the games. I still hear stories about the kids that didn’t get that opportunity. That’s a different kind of pain.

2023 was not supposed to be any different in my preparation for the 8-Man All-Star Games. Typically, I start getting things gathered around in May to start learning more about the players and coaches involved. State Track takes up the final week of the month and then I go home to remember loved ones at my families yearly Memorial Day reunion. After that, I have a full week to prepare for the games and then anxiously await the players arriving on Tuesday of game week.

I’ve already been on the run this spring. Seeing my cousin Riley get married. An outing at a Wind Surge game with my nephews. Saying goodbye to Doc Phillips, a long-time friend that meant the world to our entire family. Regional Track followed by State Track. It felt like time wouldn’t slow down. Then it did.

The Sunday afternoon before Memorial Day, I headed into WaKeeney to play some tennis with my godson/nephew Bryson. It was the most physical activity I’d partaken in since around 2016 most likely. The only damage was a blister on the inside of my right thumb. I was feeling good about myself. I decided to celebrate with a ride on the four-wheeler when I returned to the farm. I made one round in a dry field. I decided to make another round. That was not the best decision.

When I came back from the shock and pain, I didn’t realize what had happened. My dad and brother were there immediately to check on me. Somehow, all I knew was I was on the ground. I felt a ticking on my right collarbone that had a blinding pain accompanying it. That’s a different kind of pain I’ve never felt. The worst pain. I felt pretty stupid for wrecking the four-wheeler my dad had recently gotten. The first words out of my mouth were: “Is the four-wheeler OK?” and “I don’t have time for this ****, I have the 8-Man All-Star Games in two weeks.”

The thing is, we don’t get to pick the times we have to go through trials in life. Assessing the situation, I remembered hitting some loose dirt. A badger hole seemed to have flipped the 4-wheeler. I went right, it went left. A visit to the ER showed me I had a compound fracture in my right collarbone. Adrenaline and shock wore off and the pain got even worse. An arm immobilizer and pain killers only made it a little bit more bearable. Right now, I could focus on all the pain, but here’s where the thanks start coming in.

I’m thankful the good Lord had my back. I’m thankful I did not end up with any head or neck injuries. I’m thankful for my brothers-in-law for seeing that something happened in the field. I’m thankful for my dad and brother Brad for their quick response. I’m thankful to the nurses, Gayle Pfannenstiel and David Day at the ER in WaKeeney for diagnosing my problem quickly. I’m thankful to Kerri Adams for quickly getting me in to see Dr. Todd Herrenbruck at Salina Ortho. He informed me that my decisions were to see if the compound fracture would heal correctly over six weeks, or have a plate put in to stabilize it and maybe be done with the process in six weeks. Surgery seemed like the right move. I’m thankful Dr. Herrenbruck could schedule me for Friday. I’m thankful for my sisters for helping me get to Salina for both of those appointments. I’m thankful for my parents for bringing me back home to start the recovery process after a very quick surgery. I’m thankful for Wade Gerstner for picking up my slack at work so I could have a surgery that I felt would better prepare me for the time and effort it requires to cover the 8-Man All-Star Games the right way.

I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t an easy week. There may have been a few things I was not able to do. I did miss taking pictures on the sidelines in the first game this year. In the end, I’m probably the only one who realizes what might have been missed. I did my best this week to honor these 80 young men the right way. I didn’t do it alone. A huge thanks to the coaches: Brody VanDegrift, Alex McMillian, Sean Blosser, Kyle Bright, Travis Desbien, Travis Callaway, Keith Wiatrak, Shelby Hoppes, Matt Heuer, Trever Powell, Joel Struckhoff and Mitch Engelken. Allowing me some time to invade their space and to have their help is invaluable. Finally, thanks to those 80 all-stars who gave me another great week filled with great memories.

This process isn’t over. I’m alive and I do have time for this ****. Let’s enjoy the summer.

My 2022-23 Northern Plains League All-League Teams

Another year of high school hoops has wrapped up in North Central Kansas, bringing me to my picks for the Northern Plains League in 2022-23. I say this most years, but it was another very tough season to narrow the picks down to 15 (or 16) players. Specifically on the boys side, I started with 27 names on my list. 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. As I did last season, due to injury, I’ll have a player on honorable mention, and unfortunately, it’s the same player as last season. I feel like players that are clearly on track for a great season but see their season cut short due to injury definitely deserve credit for what they were able to do prior. 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, 5’9″, Jr., G, Osborne Bulldogs
Hamel is on my first team for the second straight season. He helped lead the Osborne Bulldogs to a 19-3 overall finish and an NPL regular season title at 12-0. Hamel averaged 18.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.6 spg, 3.8 apg and shot 47% from the floor. He also made a team-high 42 three-pointers this season and shot 82% from the free throw line (58-71). Hamel scored in double figures in all 22 games this season and had 20 points or more nine times, scoring his career high of 26 at Victoria on December 13.

Valden Dohl, 6’3″, Sr., G/F, Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs
Dohl is also on my first team for the second straight season. After a break-out season in 2021-22 when he averaged 13.1 ppg, he added even more offense for the 15-7 Mustangs. Dohl put up 18.4 ppg and added 6.4 rpg, 4.1 apg and 2.0 spg. He also shot 43% from the floor and made 65 three-point shots, shooting 35% from beyond the arc. He also added a 72% free throw mark, finishing 34-47 for the season. Dole scored in double figures in 20 of the Mustangs’ 22 games and had eight games of 20 or more points and two over 30. He added three double-doubles, including a 38-point career high performance with 11 rebounds against Lincoln on February 24. He also scored 32 in a win at Wilson on February 10.

Daniel Eilert, 6’2″, Jr., F/C, St. John’s/Tipton Blujays
After being a second team pick last season, Eilert moves up to the first team after a solid junior season, helping lead St. John’s/Tipton to a 19-6 finish and a 1A-DII State Tournament berth. Eilert led the Blujays, averaging 12.9 ppg and 8.6 ppg. He shot 45% from the floor and 65% (65-103) at the free throw line. The junior scored in double figures 19 times and had ten double-doubles on the season. Eilert scored a career high 23 points in St. John’s/Tipton’s win at Tescott on January 27.

Ross Hutson, 6’1″, Sr., G/F, Lakeside Knights
Hutson has never been on my all-NPL team, but as a senior, he was the only player that returned to the Lakeside boys basketball team with a lot of varsity experience after they graduated six seniors from a team that was one win away from State last season. Hutson helped lead the Knights to a 12-11 record, averaging a team-high 13.2 ppg and adding 7.6 rpg, 3.3 apg and 1.6 spg. He shot 37% from the floor and made a team high 41 three-point shots, while shooting 69% (46-67) from the free throw line. Hutson scored in double figures 15 times this season and added five double-doubles. He scored his career high of 20 in a win over Wilson in the NPL Tournament on January 16.

Dylan Bice, 6’2″, Sr., G, Thunder Ridge Longhorns
Bice has gotten recognition on my all-league team all four seasons of his high school career, but this is the first time he has made the first team. He helped lead the Thunder Ridge Longhorns to a 16-7 finish and a Sub-State semifinal appearance this season. Bice led the Longhorns with 14.3 ppg, adding 7.3 rpg, 3.2 spg and 3.0 apg. He scored in double figures 15 times this season and had 20 or more points on five occasions, including a career-high 30 points in Thunder Ridge’s Sub-State opening win over Natoma on February 24. Bice shot 48% from the floor this season and made 25 three-pointers. He also shot 58% from the free throw line at 62-107.

Boys 2nd Team
Andy Cooper, 5’10”, So., G/F, Pike Valley (12.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1.6 apg; 64% FG; 52% FT)
Trenton Welch, 6’6″, So., F/C, Southern Cloud (12.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, 1.2 bpg; 40% FG)
JaShawn Dodds, 6’6″, Sr., C, Thunder Ridge (10.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 spg; 54% FG)
Cooper McDill, 5’11”, So., G, Rock Hills (13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 apg; 50% FG; 52% FT)
Levi Cool, 6’3″, Sr., G, Southern Cloud (11.2 ppg, 4.1 apg, 3.5 rpg; 40% FG; 33% 3’s (30 total); 69% FT

Boys 3rd Team
Jace Cunningham, 6’2″, So., G, Lakeside (11.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg; 44% FG; 22 3-pointers; 57% FT)
Dalton Garman, 5’10”, So., G, Osborne (11.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.8 spg; 40% FG; 39% 3’s (39 total); 71% FT)
Matthew Lawson, 6’2″, Jr., F, Sylvan-Lucas (11.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg; 56% FG; 53% FT)
Luke Bates, 6’1″, Sr., G/F, St. John’s/Tipton (8.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.7 apg; 33% FG; 57% FT)
Edward Horinek, 5’9″, Fr., G, St. John’s/Tipton (10.5 ppg, 2.5 spg; 42% FG; 34% 3’s (43 total); 65% FT)

Girls 1st Team
Trinity Lutters, 5’4″, Sr., G, Osborne Bulldogs
Lutters joins St. John’s/Tipton’s Lauryn Dubbert as the only players who have been on my first team all four years of their high school career. Lutters averaged a team high 19.0 ppg this season for the 20-3 Osborne Lady Bulldogs. She scored in double figures in 20 of the 22 contested games, finishing her career with 86 of 91 games in double figures. She also wrapped her career with 1,746 points, averaging 19.2 ppg over her four years. In 2022-23, Lutters scored 20 or more in ten games and had two games over 30 points, tying her career high with 32 in Osborne’s win over Wilson in the 3rd place game of the NPL Tournament. Lutters also added 3.4 rpg, 3.4 spg and 3.0 apg and shot 48% from the floor this past season. She also added 31 made three-pointers and shot 78% (66-85) from the free throw line.

Lauren Whelchel, 5’9″, Sr., G/F, Rock Hills Grizzlies
Whelchel is on my first team for the third consecutive season. She helped lead Rock Hills to an 11-11 finish in 2022-23, averaging a team-high 16.1 ppg and adding 7.7 rpg, 2.3 apg and 2.0 spg. She scored in double figures in 20 of the team’s 22 games this season and added seven double-doubles. She scored a season high 27 against Lakeside on February 3 in Mankato. Whelchel leaves Rock Hills as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder. She became the first player in school history to surpass 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in a career.

Keeli Knobbe, 5’10”, Sr., G/F, Sylvan-Lucas Mustangs
Knobbe is also now a three-time first team selection for me. She averaged a team-high 16 ppg and added 7.4 rpg, 3.7 spg and shot around 45% from the floor, 30% from three-point land and 84% from the free throw line this season. Knobbe helped lead the Lady Mustangs to a 16-7 overall finish and a 9-3 record in the NPL. She scored a career-high 29 at Thunder Ridge on February 3. Knobbe also surpassed the 1,000 point mark in her career during her final season.

Kylie Bergmann, 5’6″, Sr., G, Lakeside Knights
After a breakout season and a 2nd-team selection last season, Bergmann is on my first team for 2022-23. She continued her ascension as one of the top players in the league in averaging 17.7 ppg as well as 4.8 rpg, 4.2 spg and 2.8 apg. Bergmann shot 41% from the floor and 38% from three-point land with a team high 48 made three-pointers. She also was efficient from the free throw line, making 65 of 91 attempts for a 71% mark. Bergmann scored in double figures 19 times this season and had 20 or more points 11 times. She tied a career high with 27 points in a win over Southern Cloud in the NPL Tournament on January 13.

Toree Slavik, 6’1″, Sr., C, Thunder Ridge Longhorns
After being a third-team selection last season, Slavik is on my first team for the first time. She helped lead the Thunder Ridge Lady Longhorns to a Sub-State runner-up finish in 2022-23. Slavik averaged a double-double with a team-high 15.7 ppg and 10.3 rpg to go along with 1.4 blocked shots a game. She finished the season 55% from the floor and was one of the best free throw shooting posts in recent memory, making 70-110 for a 60% clip from the line. She scored in double figures in 18 of 22 games this season and scored 20 or more seven times. Her season high was 28 against Stockton on February 23 in the first round of Sub-State. Slavik also led Thunder Ridge with 11 double-doubles in her final season.

Girls 2nd Team
Anna Thielen, 5’5″, Jr., G, Wilson (15.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.8 spg; 39% FG; 65% FT)
Carlie Brummer, 5’7″, So., G, St. John’s/Tipton (16.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 spg, 1.5 apg)
Gracie Riner, 5’4″, Jr., G, Osborne (13.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.0 apg, 3.1 spg; 39% FG; 36% 3’s (51 total); 62% FT)
Candyce Engling, 5’9″, Sr., G/F, Natoma (16.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.0 spg; 36% FG; 32 total 3’s; 57% FT)
Lauren Brummet, 5’11”, Jr., F/C, Lakeside (12.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.3 spg, 1.0 bpg; 45% FG)

Girls 3rd Team
Ella Wiles, 5’9″, Sr., F/C, St. John’s/Tipton (10.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.2 spg)
Mallorie Church, 5’7″, Sr., F, Tescott (15.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 spg; 45% FG; 57% FT)
Grace William, 5’11”, So. F, Osborne (10.1 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 45% FG, 58% FT)
Danica Frost, 5’4″, Sr., G, Rock Hills (10.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 2.4 spg; 38% FG; 28 total 3’s; 69% FT)
Jenna Gengler, 5’7″, Jr., G, St. John’s/Tipton (10.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.6 spg, 1.5 apg)

Girls Honorable Mention
Kamryn Rietzke, 5’5″, Jr., G, Thunder Ridge (7 games; 15.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.9 spg; 34% FG, 67% FT)

Previous All-League Teams
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

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Final

As the 2022 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.  Otherwise, it was another very enjoyable season and congrats to all the athletes on a great year.

Super 10
1. Manhattan (13-0)
2. Mill Valley (12-1)
3. Gardner-Edgerton (9-4)
4. Maize (12-1)
5. Derby (9-3)
6. Hays (10-2)
7. Bishop Miege (11-2)
8. Hutchinson (8-3)
9. Wichita Northwest (8-3)
10. Andale (13-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (13-0)
2. Gardner-Edgerton (9-4)
3. Derby (9-3)
4. Wichita Northwest (8-3)
5. Washburn Rural (8-3)

5A
1. Mill Valley (12-1)
2. Maize (12-1)
3. Hays (10-2)
4. Hutchinson (8-3)
5. Bishop Carroll (7-3)

4A
1. Bishop Miege (11-2)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3)
3. Wamego (12-1)
4. McPherson (10-2)
5. St. James (6-5)

3A
1. Andale (13-0)
2. Holton (11-2)
3. Girard (10-1)
4. Topeka-Hayden (10-2)
5. Rock Creek (9-2)

2A
1. Nemaha Central (13-0)
2. Kingman (12-1)
3. Southeast of Saline (11-1)
4. Sabetha (9-3)
5. Ellsworth (8-2)

1A
1. St. Marys (11-2)
2. Inman (11-2)
3. Centralia (11-1)
4. Olpe (8-3)
5. Pittsburg-Colgan (9-2)

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (13-0)
2. Little River (11-2)
3. Hill City (10-2)
4. Burlingame (10-2)
5. Chase County (9-2)

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (13-0)
2. Canton-Galva (11-1)
3. Thunder Ridge (11-2)
4. Victoria (10-1)
5. Dighton (11-1)

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

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 9/Postseason

These are my final rankings from the regular season.  I’ll post one more time when the state championship games are finished.  As always, the “big game” feature is now removed as every game is of the most importance for every team from here on out.

Super 10
1. Maize (8-0)
2. Manhattan (8-0)
3. Derby (6-2)
4. Olathe South (6-2)
5. Mill Valley (7-1)
6. Wichita Northwest (6-2)
7. Hays (7-1)
8. Olathe North (7-1)
9. Chanute (8-0)
10. Andale (8-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (8-0)
2. Derby (6-2)
3. Olathe South (6-2)
4. Wichita Northwest (6-2)
5. Olathe North (7-1)

Notes:  #1 Manhattan was impressive yet again with a 56-28 win over #4 Wichita Northwest.  Despite the loss, the Grizzlies stay in the same spot.  #2 Derby won over Newton 49-20.  Olathe South is in at #3 after a wild 37-36 win over then #5 Gardner-Edgerton as the Trailblazers drop from the poll.  Olathe North suffered a 31-19 loss to Free State and drops from #3 to #5.

5A
1. Maize (8-0)
2. Mill Valley (7-1)
3. Hays (7-1)
4. Bishop Carroll (6-2)
5. Hutchinson (6-2)

Notes: 5A stays the same this week.  #1 Maize rolled to a 59-14 win over Campus.  #2 Mill Valley got back on the winning track with a 63-3 win at Shawnee Mission East on Thursday night.  #3 Hays crushed Topeka High 56-6.  #4 Bishop Carroll won 34-30 at Wichita East.  #5 Hutchinson won 28-6 over Andover

4A
1. Chanute (8-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (6-2)
3. Bishop Miege (6-2)
4. St. James (4-4)
5. McPherson (7-1)

Notes: No changes in 4A this week.  #1 Chanute beat Labette County 50-20.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas won 62-23 over Blue Valley Southwest.  Despite a 28-21 loss at 6A Blue Valley Northwest, I’m keeping Bishop Miege at #3.  St. James also stays at #4 after a 25-20 loss to 6A Blue Valley North.  #5 McPherson won 49-6 at Buhler.

3A
1. Andale (8-0)
2. Wichita Collegiate (7-1)
3. Holton (7-1)
4. Girard (8-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (7-1)

Notes: 3A stays the same heading into the postseason.  #1 Andale won 42-14 at Pratt.  #2 Wichita Collegiate picked up a 28-21 win at Hesston.  #3 Holton ran over Jefferson West 53-7.  #4 Girard beat Burlington 41-18.  #5 Topeka-Hayden picked up 56-0 shutout at Hiawatha.

2A
1. Southeast of Saline (8-0)
2. Nemaha Central (8-0)
3. Kingman (8-0)
4. Sabetha (6-2)
5. Ellsworth (7-1)

Notes: Despite losses for #4 and #5, I’m keeping 2A the same going into the postseason.  #1 Southeast of Saline won 46-7 over #5 Ellsworth.  #2 Nemaha Central picked up a 24-7 win over #4 Sabetha.  #3 Kingman rolled to a 40-7 win over Garden Plain.

1A
1. Centralia (8-0)
2. Pittsburg-Colgan (7-1)
3. Olpe (6-2)
4. Troy (7-1)
5. St. Marys (6-2)

Notes: 1A stays the same this week.  #1 Centralia won 59-16 over Pleasant Ridge.  #2 Pittsburg-Colgan registered a 61-0 shutout over Uniontown.  #3 Olpe beat Central Heights 50-13.  #4 Troy posted a 65-0 shutout at home against Riverside.  #5 St. Marys crushed McLouth 58-6.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (8-0)
2. Little River (7-1)
3. South Sumner (8-0)
4. Macksville (8-0)
5. Clifton-Clyde (7-1)

Notes: #1 Wichita County picked up a 57-0 shutout at South Gray.  #2 Little River beat Goessel 60-14.  South Sumner moves up to #3 with a 52-20 win over Central-Burden.  Macksville is in at #4 with a 62-0 shutout over Kiowa County.  Clifton-Clyde is back into the poll at #5 after a 60-14 win over Bennington.  Burlingame falls out after a 60-59 loss at Lyndon and Hoxie is also out of the poll after a 46-18 home loss to Rawlins County.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (8-0)
2. Canton-Galva (8-0)
3. Victoria (8-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (7-1)
5. Dighton (8-0)

Notes: 8-Man DII stays consistent this week.  #1 Axtell cruised to a 68-0 shutout over Doniphan West.  #2 Canton-Galva rolled to a 62-0 shutout against Rural Vista.  #3 Victoria posted a 52-0 shutout at Otis-Bison.  #4 Thunder Ridge beat Sharon Springs 42-6.  #5 Dighton picked up a 46-0 shutout over previously unbeaten Minneola.

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

Notes: No changes in 6-Man this week.  #1 Cunningham got a forfeit win over Southern Cloud due to low numbers.  #2 Waverly picked up a 46-0 shutout over Southern Coffey County.  #3 Ashland was open.  #4 Tescott won 52-6 at Chase.  #5 Cheylin registered a 52-0 shutout at Golden Plains.

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 8

There was not as much shifting in my rankings this week, but some new teams claimed top spots regardless.  We head into the final week of the regular season this week, which means this is my second-to-last ranking ahead of the playoffs.

Super 10
1. Maize (7-0)
2. Manhattan (7-0)
3. Derby (5-2)
4. Olathe North (7-0)
5. Mill Valley (6-1)
6. Wichita Northwest (6-1)
7. Hays (6-1)
8. Gardner-Edgerton (5-2)
9. Chanute (7-0)
10. Andale (7-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (7-0)
2. Derby (5-2)
3. Olathe North (7-0)
4. Wichita Northwest (6-1)
5. Gardner-Edgerton (5-2)

Notes:  #1 Manhattan blasted Lansing in a 65-0 shutout.  #2 Derby won 55-7 at Maize South.  Olathe North moves up to #3 after an impressive 20-16 win at 5A #1 Mill Valley.  Wichita Northwest won but falls to #4 after the Olathe North win.  Northwest beat Wichita West 76-12.  #5 Gardner-Edgerton rolled to a 41-14 win at Olathe East.

Big game in Week 8: #1 Manhattan hosts #4 Wichita Northwest on Friday night.

5A
1. Maize (7-0)
2. Mill Valley (6-1)
3. Hays (6-1)
4. Bishop Carroll (5-2)
5. Hutchinson (5-2)

Notes: Maize moves to #1 after a 41-13 win over #5 Hutchinson.  The Salthawks will stay in the same spot.  Mill Valley is down to #2 after a 20-16 loss to 6A #4 Olathe South.  #3 Hays crushed Liberal 56-12.  #4 Bishop Carroll slipped past Wichita Heights 28-26.

Big game in Week 8: #4 Bishop Carroll is at Wichita East (5-2, 6A) on Friday night.

4A
1. Chanute (7-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (5-2)
3. Bishop Miege (6-1)
4. St. James (4-3)
5. McPherson (6-1)

Notes: No changes in 4A this week.  #1 Chanute won 40-26 at Field Kindley in Coffeyville.  #2 St. Thomas Aquinas was impressive in a 44-14 win over 6A Blue Valley.  #3 Bishop Miege rolled to a 48-13 win over Blue Valley West.  #4 St. James picked up a 31-29 win at 5A Kapaun-Mt. Carmel.  #5 McPherson beat Mulvane 46-21.

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

3A
1. Andale (7-0)
2. Wichita Collegiate (6-1)
3. Holton (6-1)
4. Girard (7-0)
5. Topeka-Hayden (6-1)

Notes: #1 Andale cruised to a 32-0 shutout over Cheney.  Wichita Collegiate moves up to #2 with a 68-7 win over Wichita Trinity.  Holton is up to #3 with a 37-13 domination of then #2 Topeka-Hayden, which moves down to #5.  #4 Girard won 47-7 over Anderson County.

Big game in Week 8: #1 Andale is at Pratt (6-1) on Friday night.

2A
1. Southeast of Saline (7-0)
2. Nemaha Central (7-0)
3. Kingman (7-0)
4. Sabetha (6-1)
5. Ellsworth (7-0)

Notes: No changes in 2A this week.  #1 Southeast of Saline blasted Lyons in a 94-0 shutout.  #2 Nemaha Central pulled away for a 34-12 win over Riley County.  #3 Kingman posted a 42-0 shutout of Haven.  #4 Sabetha blew past Horton 62-7.  #5 Ellsworth was impressive in a 37-19 win over Halstead.

Big game in Week 8: In a matchup of NCAA unbeatens, #1 Southeast of Saline hosts #5 Ellsworth on Friday night.

1A
1. Centralia (7-0)
2. Pittsburg-Colgan (6-1)
3. Olpe (5-2)
4. Troy (6-1)
5. St. Marys (5-2)

Notes: Centralia is up to #1 with a 26-20 win over Riverside.  Pittsburg-Colgan moves up to #2 after a 55-0 shutout at Erie.  Olpe is #3 after picking up a 49-0 shutout at previously unbeaten Jayhawk-Linn.  Troy is #4 with a 42-13 win at Onaga.  St. Marys is back in the poll at #5, picking up a 56-0 shutout at Mission Valley.  Inman drops from #1 out of the poll after a 35-14 loss at Conway Springs.

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

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (7-0)
2. Little River (6-1)
3. Burlingame (7-0)
4. Hoxie (6-1)
5. South Sumner (7-0)

Notes: No changes this week.  #1 Wichita County shutout Sublette 60-0 in Leoti.  #2 Little River posted a 54-0 shutout at Pretty Prairie.  #3 Burlingame beat Madison 44-28.  #4 Hoxie won 47-22 at Quinter.  #5 South Sumner cruised to a 64-16 win at Argonia & Attica.

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

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (7-0)
2. Canton-Galva (7-0)
3. Victoria (7-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (6-1)
5. Dighton (7-0)

Notes: 8-Man DII stays the same again this week.  #1 Axtell rolled to a 62-14 win over Frankfort.  #2 Canton-Galva cruised past St. John’s/Tipton 58-12.  #3 Victoria beat Sylvan-Lucas 44-14.  #4 Thunder Ridge got a 50-0 shutout at St. Francis.  #5 Dighton cruised to a 46-0 shutout at Satanta.

Big game in Week 8: #5 Dighton hosts Minneola (7-0) in a matchup of unbeatens on Friday night.

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

Notes: I don’t penalize teams for winning generally, but this week I’m moving Cunningham up to #1 after they picked up a 72-0 shutout over Burrton and Waverly falls to #2 after sneaking past Peabody-Burns 38-34.  #3 Ashland won 64-14 over Ingalls.  #4 Tescott beat Natoma 40-6.  #5 Cheylin picked up a 60-0 shutout over Triplains-Brewster.

Big game in Week 8: Four of the top five teams are big favorites and #3 Ashland is open this week.

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 7

Just two weeks remain now in the 2022 high school football regular season in Kansas.  There was some big shifting this week in 4A and 8-Man DI.  Here’s my take heading into Week 7.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (6-0)
2. Maize (6-0)
3. Manhattan (6-0)
4. Derby (5-1)
5. Wichita Northwest (5-1)
6. Olathe North (6-0)
7. Hays (5-1)
8. Gardner-Edgerton (4-2)
9. Chanute (6-0)
10. Andale (6-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (6-0)
2. Derby (4-2)
3. Wichita Northwest (5-1)
4. Olathe North (6-0)
5. Gardner-Edgerton (4-2)

Notes:  #1 Manhattan continues to roll with a 44-7 win at league rival and then #5 Junction City.  The Blue Jays fall out of my top five.  Derby stays at #2 despite a hard-fought 52-51 loss against 5A #2 Maize.  #3 Wichita Northwest blasted Wichita South 79-8.  #4 Olathe North crushed Shawnee Mission West 69-7.  Gardner-Edgerton moves in at #5 after a 35-7 win over Lawrence.

Big game in Week 7: #4 Olathe North is at 5A #1 Mill Valley on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (6-0)
2. Maize (6-0)
3. Hays (5-1)
4. Bishop Carroll (4-2)
5. Hutchinson (5-1)

Notes: No changes in 5A either for this week.  #1 Mill Valley rolled to a 58-6 win at Shawnee Mission South.  #2 Maize won a 52-51 thriller at 6A #2 Derby.  #3 Hays beat Dodge City 41-6.  #4 Bishop Carroll won the Wichita Holy War over Kapaun-Mt. Carmel 26-21.  #5 Hutchinson won 28-7 over Campus.

Big game in Week 7: #2 Maize hosts #5 Hutchinson on Friday night.

4A
1. Chanute (6-0)
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (4-2)
3. Bishop Miege (5-1)
4. St. James (3-3)
5. McPherson (5-1)

Notes: 4A continues to fluctuate as the private schools have all gone 1-1 against each other.  Chanute moves up to #1 with a 49-6 win over Fort Scott.  St. Thomas Aquinas jumps from #5 to #2 with a 29-26 win at then #1 Bishop Miege as the Stags fall to #3.  St. James is now #4 as they won 35-28 at Blue Valley West.  McPherson goes to #5 as they won 34-32 at Wellington.

Big game in Week 7: #1 Chanute travels to Field Kindley (5-1) in Coffeyville on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (6-0)
2. Topeka-Hayden (6-0)
3. Wichita Collegiate (5-1)
4. Girard (6-0)
5. Holton (5-1)

Notes: #1 Andale picked up a dominant 49-0 shutout at then #2 Wichita Collegiate.  Collegiate drops one spot to #3.  Topeka-Hayden is up to #2 with a 38-0 shutout over Royal Valley.  #4 Girard registered a 47-0 shutout at Iola.  #5 Holton rolled to a 48-17 win at Rossville.

Big game in Week 7: #2 Topeka-Hayden is at #5 Holton in district play on Friday night.

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

Notes: No changes in 2A this week.  #1 Southeast of Saline cruised to a 46-6 win over Hillsboro.  #2 Nemaha Central thrashed Minneapolis 56-0.  #3 Kingman rolled to a 35-7 win over previously unbeaten Chaparral.  #4 Sabetha posted a 56-0 shutout at Riverside.  #5 Ellsworth slipped past Russell 18-15.

Big game in Week 7: #5 Ellsworth hopes to stay unbeaten as they host Halstead (3-3).

1A
1. Inman (6-0)
2. Centralia (6-0)
3. Pittsburg-Colgan (5-1)
4. Olpe (4-2)
5. Troy (5-1)

Notes: No changes in 1A again this week.  #1 Inman picked up a 38-0 shutout at Ellinwood.  #2 Centralia won 28-13 at Garden Plain.  #3 Pittsburg-Colgan beat Columbus 36-7.  #4 Olpe picked up an impressive 38-0 shutout at Caney Valley.  #5 Troy rolled to a 32-0 shutout over Jackson Heights.

Big game in Week 7: #4 Olpe is at Jayhawk-Linn (6-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Wichita County (6-0)
2. Little River (5-1)
3. Burlingame (6-0)
4. Hoxie (5-1)
5. South Sumner (6-0)

Notes: 8-Man DI is quite possibly the most competitive class in Kansas high school football this season.  There are some shakeups after some losses toward the top.  Wichita County moves from #2 to #1 after an impressive 56-20 win at then #1 Meade.  Meade falls out of the top five.  Little River is up to #2 with a 48-0 shutout over Herington.  Burlingame moves up to #3 after a 63-14 win over Maranatha Academy.  Hoxie moves into the poll at #4 with a 20-14 win over then #3 Hill City as the Ringnecks fall out of my top five.  South Sumner moves into the poll for the first time at #5 with a 74-28 win over previously unbeaten Wichita Independent.

Big game in Week 7: #3 Burlingame hosts Madison (5-1) in district play on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (6-0)
2. Canton-Galva (6-0)
3. Victoria (6-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (5-1)
5. Dighton (6-0)

Notes: Again, no changes in 8-Man DII this week.  #1 Axtell cruised to a 62-14 win over Hanover.  #2 Canton-Galva picked up a 46-0 shutout at Central Christian in Hutchinson.  #3 Victoria was pushed, but picked up a 30-28 win at Sharon Springs.  #4 Thunder Ridge rolled to a 55-6 win over Wheatland-Grinnell.  #5 Dighton blew by Bucklin 54-6.

Big game in Week 7: #3 Victoria hosts Sylvan-Lucas in what will likely decide a district championship on Friday night.

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

Notes: My 6-Man rankings are starting to solidify as we head into Week 7.  No changes this week.  #1 Waverly was tested, but they picked up a 38-32 win over Wetmore.  #2 Cunningham rolled to a 57-6 victory over Southern Coffey County.  #3 Ashland beat Moscow 74-26.  #4 Tescott picked up a 46-0 shutout at Southern Cloud.  #5 Cheylin posted a 51-0 shutout at Western Plains/Healy.

Big game in Week 7: #3 Ashland hosts Ingalls (4-1) on Friday night.

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 6

High school football rolls on in the back half of the regular season.  The most alarming score was in 3A with the matchup between Andale and Nickerson.  A lot of the classes stayed the same this week, but here are my rankings heading into Week 6.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (5-0)
2. Maize (5-0)
3. Manhattan (5-0)
4. Derby (4-1)
5. Wichita Northwest (4-1)
6. Olathe North (5-0)
7. Hays (4-1)
8. Junction City (4-1)
9. Bishop Miege (5-0)
10. Andale (5-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (5-0)
2. Derby (4-1)
3. Wichita Northwest (4-1)
4. Olathe North (5-0)
5. Junction City (4-1)

Notes:  No changes in 6A this week.  #1 Manhattan rolled to a 58-7 win at Emporia.  #2 Derby cruised past Campus 70-13 in Haysville.  #3 Wichita Northwest beat Topeka High 81-13.  #4 Olathe North won a 13-2 slugfest over Gardner-Edgerton.  #5 Junction City won 24-6 at Washburn Rural.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Manhattan is at #5 Junction City on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (5-0)
2. Maize (5-0)
3. Hays (4-1)
4. Bishop Carroll (3-2)
5. Hutchinson (4-1)

Notes: No changes in 5A either for this week.  #1 Mill Valley won 45-14 over Olathe South.  #2 Maize won at crosstown rival Maize South 63-26.  #3 Hays cruised 48-14 at Ulysses.  #4 Bishop Carroll won 48-7 at Wichita North on Thursday.  #5 Hutchinson rolled to a 42-7 win at Salina South.

Big game in Week 6: #2 Maize is at 2A #2 Derby on Friday night.

4A
1. Bishop Miege (5-0)
2. Chanute (5-0)
3. St. James (2-3)
4. McPherson (4-1)
5. St. Thomas Aquinas (3-2)

Notes: #1 Bishop Miege posted a 40-0 shutout at 6A Blue Valley.  Chanute moves to #2 with a 34-10 win at Independence.  St. James is #3 after a 49-14 win over St. Pius X (MO).  McPherson is back into the poll at #4 with a 24-0 shutout at Winfield.  St. Thomas Aquinas lost to KC power Rockhurst (MO) 32-11, but will stay at #5 this week.  Andover Central drops from #2 out of the poll with a 20-14 home loss to Goddard.

Big game in Week 6: #5 St. Thomas Aquinas is at #1 Bishop Miege on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (5-0)
2. Wichita Collegiate (5-0)
3. Topeka-Hayden (5-0)
4. Girard (5-0)
5. Holton (4-1)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale picked up a 108-0 shutout of Nickerson on Friday night.  #2 Wichita Collegiate won 34-8 at Chapman.  #3 Topeka-Hayden got a 44-28 win at Perry-Lecompton.  #4 Girard was a 41-8 winner at Prairie View.  #5 Holton rolled to a 48-15 win at Royal Valley.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Andale is at #2 Wichita Collegiate on Friday night.

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

Notes: #1 Southeast of Saline beat Clay Center 26-14.  #2 Nemaha Central crushed Jefferson West 67-6.  #3 Kingman picked up a 28-0 shutout at Hesston.  Sabetha moves up to #4 with a 35-0 shutout win at Riley County.  Ellsworth moves into the poll for the first time with a 55-0 shutout at Lyons.  Norton drops from #4 out of the poll with their first loss, falling 28-25 at Goodland.

Big game in Week 6: #3 Kingman hosts Chaparral (5-0) on Friday night.

1A
1. Inman (5-0)
2. Centralia (5-0)
3. Pittsburg-Colgan (4-1)
4. Olpe (3-2)
5. Troy (4-1)

Notes: 1A stays the same for this week.  #1 Inman beat previously unbeaten Hutchinson-Trinity 21-3.  #2 Centralia won 28-6 at Jackson Heights.  #3 Pittsburg-Colgan registered a 48-0 shutout at Northeast-Arma.  #4 Olpe got a forfeit win over Northern Heights.  #5 Troy rolled to a 76-16 win over Maur Hill-Mt. Academy.

Big game in Week 6: #4 Olpe is at 2A Caney Valley (4-1) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Meade (5-0)
2. Wichita County (5-0)
3. Hill City (5-0)
4. Little River (4-1)
5. Burlingame (5-0)

Notes: #1 Meade rolled to a 58-6 win at South Gray.  Wichita County and Hill City will swap spots this week as Wichita County is at #2 with a 56-8 win over Spearville and Hill City falls to #3 as they slipped past then 2-2 Quinter 20-12.  #4 Little River posted a 46-0 shutout at Moundridge.  #5 Burlingame beat Cair Paravel 57-26.

Big game in Week 6: #1 Meade hosts #2 Wichita County on Friday night.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (5-0)
2. Canton-Galva (5-0)
3. Victoria (5-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (4-1)
5. Dighton (5-0)

Notes: 8-Man DII stays the same again this week.  #1 Axtell got a 62-0 shutout at Blue Valley-Randolph.  #2 Canton-Galva cruised to a 54-0 shutout over Fairfield.  #3 Victoria won 52-6 at Wilson.  #4 Thunder Ridge dominated Lakeside 54-6 in Downs.  #5 Dighton rolled to a 54-6 win at Otis-Bison.

Big game in Week 6: #3 Victoria is at Sharon Springs (4-1) on Friday night.

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

Notes: 6-Man rankings are the same this week as they were last week.  #1 Waverly cruised to a 55-6 win at Chetopa.  #2 Cunningham rolled on with a 46-0 shutout at Pawnee Heights.  #3 Ashland crushed Rolla 55-6.  #4 Tescott got back on track with a 46-0 home shutout of Burrton.  #5 Cheylin beat Tribune 61-12.

Big game in Week 6: All five teams are big favorites this week.

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 5

The scheduled regular season for high school football is halfway done after this past Thursday and Friday night’s games.  There was some shifting toward the top in a couple of different classes as we’re learning more and more about the teams each week.  Here is my look at high school football in Kansas heading into Week 5.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (4-0)
2. Maize (4-0)
3. Manhattan (4-0)
4. Derby (3-1)
5. Wichita Northwest (3-1)
6. Olathe North (4-0)
7. Hays (3-1)
8. Junction City (3-1)
9. Bishop Miege (4-0)
10. Andale (4-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (4-0)
2. Derby (3-1)
3. Wichita Northwest (3-1)
4. Olathe North (4-0)
5. Junction City (3-1)

Notes: #1 Manhattan won 28-25 over previously unbeaten Washburn Rural.  #2 Derby was tested, but picked up a 28-21 win over 5A #5 Hutchinson.  Wichita Northwest moves up to #3 after a 52-14 win at Wichita East.  Olathe North is up to #4 with a 63-7 win at Shawnee Mission South.  Junction City moves back in at #5 after a 28-21 win at 5A #3 Bishop Carroll.  Blue Valley Northwest drops from #3 out of the poll with a 40-34 loss at Lee’s Summit North (MO).

Big game in Week 5: #4 Olathe North hosts Gardner-Edgerton (3-1) on Friday night..

5A
1. Mill Valley (4-0)
2. Maize (4-0)
3. Hays (3-1)
4. Bishop Carroll (2-2)
5. Hutchinson (3-1)

Notes: Despite some losses within the Top 5, I’m going to keep the rankings the same.  #1 Mill Valley won 35-14 at previously unbeaten Gardner-Edgerton.  #2 Maize rolled to a 56-7 home win over Salina South.  Hays is up to #3 with a 30-26 win at previously unbeaten Garden City.  Bishop Carroll dropped to #4 after they lost to now 6A #5 Junction City, 28-21.  #5 Hutchinson put up a fight, but ultimately lost 28-21 at 6A #2 Derby.

Big game in Week 5: #2 Maize is at Maize South (3-1) on Friday night.

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

Notes: 4A is always the toughest class to rank with the private schools playing higher competition and then beating each other as well.  Bishop Miege moves up to #1 with an impressive 28-21 win over Rockhurst (MO).  Andover Central is #2 with a 24-7 win over Goddard-Eisenhower.  Chanute is up to #3 with a 40-8 win at Ulysses.  Despite a 1-3 record, St. James moves back in at #4 with a 24-20 upset win at then #1 St. Thomas Aquinas.  Aquinas is now #5.  Unfortunately, I have moved McPherson out of the rankings despite a 35-15 win over previously unbeaten Circle.  The Bullpups will be first up to claim a spot again in 4A.

Big games in Week 5: #5 St. Thomas Aquinas looks to avoid a second straight loss when they travel to Rockhurst (MO) on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (4-0)
2. Wichita Collegiate (4-0)
3. Topeka-Hayden (4-0)
4. Girard (4-0)
5. Holton (3-1)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale crushed Smoky Valley 57-8.  #2 Wichita Collegiate picked up a 22-0 shutout over Clearwater.  #3 Topeka-Hayden won 52-14 over Jefferson West.  #4 Girard rolled to a 35-0 shutout at Frontenac.  #5 Holton beat Perry-Lecompton 49-18.

Big game in Week 5: All five teams are big favorites this week.

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

Notes: 2A also sees no changes this week.  #1 Southeast of Saline won 49-17 at Halstead.  #2 Nemaha Central throttled Horton 78-0.  #3 Kingman rolled to a 63-7 win at Douglass.  #4 Norton won 38-20 at MCL rival Phillipsburg.  #5 Sabetha dominated Minneapolis 39-7.

Big game in Week 5: #3 Kingman is at Hesston (3A, 3-1) on Friday night in a non-district game.

1A
1. Inman (4-0)
2. Centralia (4-0)
3. Pittsburg-Colgan (3-1)
4. Olpe (2-2)
5. Troy (3-1)

Notes: Some shifting in 1A this week.  Inman stays #1 with a 40-0 shutout win at Sterling.  Centralia is up to #2 with a 20-19 win over previously unbeaten Troy.  Troy comes into the poll at #5, though, thanks to Wabaunsee’s 40-38 win over then #2 Smith Center.  Troy had a season-opening win over Wabaunsee to give them the head-to-head spot at #5 and Smith Center drops from the poll.  Pittsburg-Colgan is up to #3 with a 50-6 win over Southeast-Cherokee.  Olpe moves to #4 with a 27-0 shutout over Pleasanton.

Big game in Week 5: #1 Inman hosts Hutchinson-Trinity (4-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Meade (4-0)
2. Hill City (4-0)
3. Wichita County (4-0)
4. Little River (3-1)
5. Burlingame (4-0)

Notes: #1 Meade won 55-6 over Sublette.  #2 Hill City rolled to 46-0 shutout of Rawlins County.  Wichita County is up to #3 with a 57-0 win over St. John on Saturday.  Little River moves up to #4 after a 56-6 win over Solomon.  Burlingame moves into the poll for the first time with a 26-24 win over then #3 Chase County.  Chase County drops from my top five.

Big game in Week 5: All five teams are favorites this week.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (4-0)
2. Canton-Galva (4-0)
3. Victoria (4-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (3-1)
5. Dighton (4-0)

Notes: No changes this week.  #1 Axtell cruised to a 56-0 shutout of Linn.  #2 Canton-Galva picked up a 46-0 shutout at Norwich.  #3 Victoria rolled past Central Plains 54-8.  #4 Thunder Ridge registered a 46-0 shutout over Logan/Palco.  #5 Dighton won 42-12 at Hodgeman County.

Big game in Week 5: All five teams are big favorites again this week.

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

Notes: #1 Waverly beat Centre 55-26.  #2 Cunningham picked up a 42-0 win at #4 Tescott.  Tescott stays in that spot.  #3 Ashland won 78-33 over Deerfield.  Cheylin moves in at #5 with a 49-48 win at then #5 Northern Valley as the Huskies drop from my top five.

Big game in Week 5: #4 Tescott hosts Burrton (3-1) on Friday night.

2022 Kansas High School Football Rankings-Week 4

Week 3 of the 2022 high school football season is in the books.  There were some big matchups this past week that helped solidify rankings at the top.  Here’s my take heading into Week 4.

Super 10
1. Mill Valley (3-0)
2. Maize (3-0)
3. Manhattan (3-0)
4. Derby (2-1)
5. Bishop Carroll (2-1)
6. St. Thomas Aquinas (3-0)
7. Blue Valley Northwest (2-1)
8. Wichita Northwest (2-1)
9. Hays (2-1)
10. Andale (3-0)

6A
1. Manhattan (3-0)
2. Derby (2-1)
3. Blue Valley Northwest (2-1)
4. Wichita Northwest (2-1)
5. Olathe North (3-0)

Notes: #1 Manhattan picked up a 31-21 win at 5A #4 Hays.  #2 Derby won 45-38 at 5A #3 Bishop Carroll.  #3 Blue Valley Northwest doubled up Blue Valley 48-24.  Wichita Northwest is up to #4 after a 41-14 win over Kapaun-Mt. Carmel.  Olathe North moves in at #5 with a 35-14 win at then #4 Shawnee Mission North.  North drops out of my poll this week.

Big game in Week 4: #1 Manhattan hosts Washburn Rural (3-0) on Friday night.

5A
1. Mill Valley (3-0)
2. Maize (3-0)
3. Bishop Carroll (2-1)
4. Hays (2-1)
5. Hutchinson (3-0)

Notes: #1 Mill Valley rolled to a 51-0 shutout over Shawnee Mission Northwest.  #2 Maize shutout Newton 49-0.  #3 Bishop Carroll lost to 6A #2 Derby 45-38, but stays put, as does #4 Hays, which lost 31-21 to 6A #1 Manhattan.  Hutchinson takes Maize South’s spot at #5 after the Salthawks beat the Mavericks 35-21.

Big game in Week 4: #5 Hutchinson is at 6A #2 Derby on Friday night.

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

Notes: #1 St. Thomas Aquinas rolled to a 42-14 win at Blue Valley North.  #2 Bishop Miege crushed then #5 St. James 52-14.  St. James drops out of the poll.  Andover Central is up to #3 after a 10-0 win at Arkansas City.  Chanute is into my top five for the first time at #4 with a 41-17 win over Tonganoxie.  McPherson is down to #5 with a 30-15 loss at 6A Junction City.

Big games in Week 4: #5 McPherson hosts Circle (3-0) on Friday night.

3A
1. Andale (3-0)
2. Wichita Collegiate (3-0)
3. Topeka-Hayden (3-0)
4. Girard (3-0)
5. Holton (2-1)

Notes: No changes in 3A this week.  #1 Andale rolled to a 58-19 win over El Dorado.  #2 Wichita Collegiate won 48-14 over Wellington.  #3 Topeka-Hayden beat 2A #4 Rossville 55-34.  #4 Girard won 41-20 over Galena.  #5 Holton ran over Hiawatha 49-7.

Big game in Week 4: #4 Girard is at Frontenac (2-1) on Friday night.

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

Notes: #1 Southeast of Saline posted a 51-0 shutout at Minneapolis.  #2 Nemaha Central beat Perry-Lecompton 46-13.  #3 Kingman crushed Wichita Trinity 64-6.  Norton moves up to #4 after a 56-15 win at Oakley.  Sabetha is in at #5 with a 57-0 win over Jefferson West.  Rossville drops out of the poll after a 55-34 loss at Topeka-Hayden.

Big game in Week 4: All five teams are heavy favorites this week.

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

Notes: #1 Inman cruised to a 54-14 win at Remington.  Smith Center is up to #2 with a 35-14 win over previously unbeaten Russell.  Centralia is up to #3 after a 48-6 win over Onaga.  Pittsburg-Colgan moves up to #4 after beating Riverton 54-14 on Thursday.  Olpe moves in at #5 with their first win over the season, beating previously unbeaten Osage City 20-12.  St. Marys drops out from #2 after a 43-16 loss at Silver Lake.

Big game in Week 4: #3 Centralia host Troy (3-0) on Friday night.

8-Man DI
1. Meade (3-0)
2. Hill City (3-0)
3. Chase County (3-0)
4. Wichita County (3-0)
5. Little River (2-1)

Notes: 8-Man DI is a very competitive class this season.  Meade is up to #1 with a 51-6 win over Satanta.  Hill City moves up to #2 after an impressive 48-22 win at 8-Man DII #3 Thunder Ridge.  #3 Chase County picked up a 48-0 shutout at Goessel.  Wichita County is in at #4 after a 56-28 win over previously unbeaten Hoxie.  Little River stays at #5 with a 46-14 win over Ell-Saline.  Clifton-Clyde was #1 last week, but lost 58-12 at home to 8-Man DII #1 Axtell.  Clifton-Clyde falls out of the top five with a lot of challengers moving up.

Big game in Week 4: #3 Chase County hosts Burlingame (3-0) in their district opener.

8-Man DII
1. Axtell (3-0)
2. Canton-Galva (3-0)
3. Victoria (3-0)
4. Thunder Ridge (2-1)
5. Dighton (3-0)

Notes: #1 Axtell picked up an impressive 58-12 win at then 8-Man DI #1 Clifton-Clyde.  #2 Canton-Galva won 58-6 at Solomon.  Victoria and Thunder Ridge swap spots from last week.  Victoria is #3 after a 58-8 win at Ness City.  Thunder Ridge moves down to #4 with a 48-22 home loss to then 8-Man DI #4 Hill City.  #5 Dighton had a challenge, but won 30-26 at home over Quinter.

Big game in Week 4: All five teams are favorites this week.

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

Notes: No changes this week in 6-Man.  #1 Waverly picked up a 48-0 shutout at home over Southern Cloud.  #2 Cunningham beat Chase 65-13.  #3 Ashland won 50-28 at previously unbeaten Cheylin.  #4 Tescott rolled to a 70-26 win over Pawnee Heights.  #5 Northern Valley beat Ingalls 34-7.

Big game in Week 4: #2 Cunningham is at #4 Tescott on Friday night.