Playoff News and Notes

Last week's sectional game between Olathe North and Free State looked on paper like it should have been a shootout, but that didn't exaclty happen (see the combined 16 points that were scored in the game.)

The other 6A East sectional game, between Blue Valley and Blue Valley Northwest was a thriller. Blue Valley ended up playing Cinderella killers on the last play of the game, scoring from 42 yards out on a pass-catch-fumble-recovery play in which the Tigers pulled away narrowly winning 24-20.

If last week was any indication, expect the unexpected this in this week's game between Blue Valley and Lawrence Free State.

It appears Lawrence Free State's sequal to the Murphy Brothers is just as good - and maybe better. Junior Cameron Torneden has rushed for 1,143 yards, and senior Chucky Hunter has added 1,421 rushing yards. Those guys make a pretty sick combo, and I think it's safe to say if they come away with a win Friday their combo will be viewed as highly as the Murphy Brother's was two years ago.

Blue Valley on the other hand has quarterback Anthony Abenoja. Everyone remembers Simone Award winner Zach Rampy from two years ago. Rampy, the coaches son, led Blue Valley to the state title in class 5A in 2006. Abenoja has a chance to do the same in 6A this season, and place his name next to Rampy's in the Blue Valley history books.

As if the player story lines aren't good enough, here are some other things to keep in mind for the Sub-State matchup on Friday:

**Blue Valley will be aiming at a potential fourth state championship appearence this decade. The Tigers made it to the title game in class 5A in 2003, 2005, and 2006, winning titles in '03 and '06.

**With a win, Lawrence Free State will be the first appearence a Lawrence team has had in the 6A state title game in over 12 years. Lawrence High won the state title in 1995, and that was the last time the city of Lawrence tasted the championship game.

**Blue Valley has won 10 straight games since losing their opener to Manahattan. Lawrence Free State has won five straight games.