State Championship Preview

Saturday's 6A state title game between Olathe North (12-0) and Wichita Heights (8-4) will be a clash of old and new. Olathe North, a traditional Kansas powerhouse, will be making its ninth state championship appearance (eight in class 6A, one in 5A). Wichita Heights on the other hand will be making its first ever championship game appearance. Wichita Heights is the first team from the Wichita City League to make the 6A title game since Wichita West lost to Olathe North in 1997. The last time a City League team won the 6A title was in 1983.

Olathe North

Location: Olathe, Kansas

School Enrollment: 1,467

League: Sunflower League

State Championship Appearances (inlcuding this season): 9

State Championships: 1996, '97, '98, '00, '01, '02, '03

Notable Football Alumni: Darren Sproles, Arland Bruce, Maurice Mack

2009 Olathe North Football

Offense Type: Wildcat/Read-Option

Key Player Stats: James Franklin, 2,538 rushing yards; Victor Simmons, 1,034 rushing yards

Points Scored Per Game: 42

Points Allowed Per Game: 14

Fast Facts: Olathe North is making its first title game appearance since losing the 5A title 21-14 against Salina South in 2004...two Olathe North players have made Division-One commitments (Lucas Vincent to Missouri, Tre Walker to K-State)...running back James Franklin (above) is the all-time leading rusher in Olathe North school history with 5,647 yards...he broke Darren Sproles all-time record two weeks ago against Lawrence Free State.

Wichita Heights

Location: Wichita, Kansas

School Enrollment: 1,522

League: Wichita City League

State Championship Appearances (including this season): 1

Notable Football Alumni: Xzavie Jackson

2009 Wichita Heights Football

Offense Type: Triple-Option

Key Player Stats: Dreamius Smith, 1,303 rushing yards

Points Scored Per Game: 27

Points Allowed Per Game: 17

Fast Facts: Wichita Heights has won six straight games since starting the season 2-4...sophomore quarterback Matt Reed (above) has been an essential part of the Falcons success this season, most notably completing two second half touchdown passes to sink unbeaten Manhattan two weeks ago.