
All games times 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
SM East (4-1) at Olathe Northwest (2-3) (Thursday night game)
It's game three of a tough four game stretch for Olathe Northwest. The Raven's early season success is starting to look a bit tainted (their wins came against SM South, 1-4, and Leavenworth, 0-5). Meanwhile SM East (Lancer's running back Seth Hartman, above) is playing excellent football. The Lancer's offense has been especially dominant, ranking second in the Sunflower League in total offense at 364 yards per game.
Lawrence (3-2) at SM West (4-1) (Thursday night game)
Lawrence High will obviously be fired up for this game after last week's upset of Olathe East. While the Chesty Lions are playing good football, their game against SM West will mark another week in which they're not favored to win. SM West has the longest current winning streak in the Sunflower League at four games and the Vikings won't be overlooking Lawrence after last Friday.
Lawrence High will obviously be fired up for this game after last week's upset of Olathe East. While the Chesty Lions are playing good football, their game against SM West will mark another week in which they're not favored to win. SM West has the longest current winning streak in the Sunflower League at four games and the Vikings won't be overlooking Lawrence after last Friday.
SM North (0-5) at Olathe South (3-2)
Despite some early season hiccups, Olathe South appears to be back on track. The Falcon's stat totals don't jump out at anyone but they have been playing good football and this week six matchup shouldn't change that. SM North will be battling to end a hideous 12-game losing streak stretching back to week three of the 2009 season.
Leavenworth (0-5) at SM South (1-4)
SM South is playing Leavenworth at the right time. Not to say the Pioneers couldn't collect a win in this one, but they really haven't shown us much this season and it's hard to see their fortune changing at SM South. The Raiders haven't played well of late and a win here would instill some much needed confidence heading into district play.
Olathe North (4-1) at SM Northwest (2-3)
SM Northwest has been putting up solid numbers in their past two wins--now it's time to tell if the Cougars have improved much from their 0-3 start. With a district that includes Leavenworth, SM North, and Wyandotte, this will really be the last chance for SM Northwest to prove themselves against tough competition in the regular season. Olathe North can make a case for being the team to beat again in the Sunflower League if they easily handle the Cougars.
Game of the Week
Lawrence Free State (3-2) at Olathe East (4-1)
Lawrence Free State makes the Game of the Week slot for the second Friday in a row. The Firebirds have fallen short in their other two big games this season (home losses vs. SM West and SM East) and they could really use a win here given what appears to be a relatively tough district ahead. Olathe East boasts the league's top ranked defense allowing a mere 166.2 yards per game, and Free State has the top offense at 380.6 yards per game. One of the two has got to give.
Stats courtesy Mid-statesports.com
Photo courtesy the Lawrence Journal-World