All game times 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Leavenworth (0-0) at Lawrence (0-0)
Many remember these two teams playing in the final week of the regular season in 2009 to determine who would collect a win, and who would go winless. Lawrence (seen below practicing at their new stadium, which remains under construction) claimed that battle 13-6 in overtime. Much has changed since that game, most notably former St. Thomas Aquinas coach Kevin Kopecky taking the reigns at Leavenworth. The winner of this game won't have to worry about the "winless" tag for 2010, and alleviating that pressure should make for a more productive season.
SM South (0-0) at Olathe Northwest (0-0)
With respect to their school's history, both of these teams had solid campaigns last season--and both lost quite a bit of talent to graduation. It will say alot if either program can improve on, or at least sustain their win totals from last year given the exit of talent and experience. Based on the fact that both teams have quite a few question marks heading into the 2010 season an early win would do wonders for starting the season off on the right track.
With respect to their school's history, both of these teams had solid campaigns last season--and both lost quite a bit of talent to graduation. It will say alot if either program can improve on, or at least sustain their win totals from last year given the exit of talent and experience. Based on the fact that both teams have quite a few question marks heading into the 2010 season an early win would do wonders for starting the season off on the right track.
Olathe South (0-0) at Lawrence Free State (0-0)
Olathe South overhauled their offense during the offseason and this game will be the first showing of their new run-based style of play. Lawrence Free State on the other hand will be getting their first real taste of life without All-Decade performer Camren Torneden, and how the Firebirds handle it will speak volumes about the potential they have for 2010. Remember, they came up with a 7-3 season the year after Ryan Murphy graduated.
SM Northwest (0-0) at SM East (0-0)
This should be a heated one. SM East pulled out an upset against SM Northwest in district play last season and eliminated the Cougars from playoff contention. That win, perhaps more than anything, has fueled a sense of optimism that hasn't been seen around the SM East football program in years. Stacking up against SM Northwest in week one will be a good measuring stick for just how far SM East has come since Chip Sherman's arrival.
Olathe East (0-0) at SM North (0-0)
These two teams have played four times since 2004 and Olathe East has won all four games by a combined score of 172-32. If new SM North head coach Dennis Grayless can will his team to a victory, or even a close effort, it would be a huge boost for the SM North program and for Grayless' tenure. Olathe East will be working to win their opening game of the season for the 11th consecutive year.
Game of the Week
SM West (0-0) at Olathe North (0-0)
Rarely do we find two of the league's best teams matched up against each other in week one, but that is in fact how the schedule played out for 2010. The hype meter for both teams (especially Olathe North) has been steadily rising during the offseason and this game couldn't have come soon enough. Olathe North will get their first test in defending their state championship from last season, and SM West will work to capitalize on an Eagle team that will be playing without the services of Simone Award winner James Franklin for the first time in 37 games.
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