Week Three Matchups All game times 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
SM North (0-2) at SM East (2-0) (Thursday night game)
At this point in time last season SM North was riding high at 2-0, and SM East was searching for any signs of life at 0-2. SM North went on to lose seven straight games (their current losing streak sits at nine games), while SM East went 0-3 before turning things around to make the playoffs. The circumstances of both teams are much different this season, but the Nut Cup rivalry between these two foes still comes with bragging rights. SM North's Kendall Kelly (right) needs to have a big time game for the Indians to win.
SM West (1-1) at Lawrence Free State (2-0)
The interest in this game has really picked up due to Lawrence Free State's strong start to the season. The Firebirds have been nearly unstoppable with their scoring, and they are leading the league at 45.5 points per game. The Firebirds have also benefited from playing two of the poorest defensive units in league. SM West on the other hand will be playing better defense and fighting hard to collect the win--a loss would be the worst start for the Vikings in seven years.
Olathe South (0-2) at SM Northwest (0-2)
Neither of these two have started the season the way they thought they would, and the crazy thing is that one will be 0-3 when this game is over. Olathe South has had serious issues with their defense, and SM Northwest's offense has been lifeless through two weeks. Something has got to give--and that may very well decide the winner.
SM South (1-1) at Lawrence (1-1)
These two clubs look pretty evenly matched on paper. SM South ranks seventh in the league in total offense while Lawrence ranks eighth. Lawrence ranks seventh in the league in total defense while SM South ranks eighth. With a game like this it's hard to see an edge either way and it should make for an great game.
Olathe Northwest (1-1) at Leavenworth (0-2)
Is it Olathe Northwest's turn to take out some frustration on Leavenworth? Last week the Ravens played well against Olathe East but several breakdowns left them with a 14 point loss. This game is especially key for Olathe Northwest because it will probably be the last time this season in which they are heavy favorites to collect a victory. Their schedule gets very tough after this week three game.
Game of the Week
Olathe East (2-0) at Olathe North (2-0)
The last time Olathe East beat Olathe North was week one of the 2008 season. Since then the Eagles have gone 2-0 in the series and clearly established themselves as the dominant Olathe football school. Olathe East could make a strong push to regain that title if they can pull off a victory Friday night at ODAC. Adonis Saunders and Victor Simmons have basically run free through two weeks of play, because quite honestly no team has had the speed to match either player. Olathe East's secondary may challenge that notion this week. Led by Austin Fulson, Brandon Willingham, and Junior Williams, the Hawks possess nearly as much speed as the Eagles themselves.
Stats courtesy Mid-Statesports.com
Stats courtesy Mid-Statesports.com
Photos courtesy Shawnee-Dispatch
