All game times 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted
SM West (5-1) at SM South (2-4) (Thursday night game)
SM West begins its quest for a third consecutive district championship with a Thursday matchup against SM South. The Viking's offense has been rolling this season and its hard to imagine SM South being able to contain the attack. SM South is coming off a 36-20 victory last week, but the Raiders two wins have come against teams that are a combined 0-12.
Olathe Northwest (2-4) at Lawrence Free State (3-3)Both of these teams started the season on high notes, and both have struggled of late. Olathe Northwest has lost three straight games, two of which were be a touchdown or less. Meanwhile Free State has probably played the toughest Sunflower League schedule thus far, and lost two straight games. Free State's head coach Bob Lisher (right) couldn't have been happy with his team's mere 111 yards of total offense last week, and you can bet they'll come out firing.
Olathe North (5-1) at Lawrence (3-3)
Will Lawrence High once again show off their home field magic? The Chesty Lions are 3-0 at home this season, include their week five upset of top ranked Olathe East. This game marks the third straight week in which Olathe North has had to go on the road. The Eagles narrowly escaped SM Northwest last week and the team could use a solid victory to get totally back on track.
SM Northwest (2-4) at SM North (0-6)
This year's Hula Bowl probably won't be as close as the two team's records would indicate. SM Northwest is likely the best 2-4 team in the state of Kansas, and this game marks the first of any easy district slate. SM North, who is still searching for a win under new head coach Dennis Grayless, could almost guarantee themselves a playoff berth if they could pull the big upset here.
Olathe East (5-1) at Blue Valley West (1-5)
Olathe East's first district game comes against a surprisingly bad Blue Valley West team. The Jaguars were well thought of in some preseason rankings, but have cleary not lived up to the hype, which is shocking considering their talent. Blue Valley West is led by its top two playmakers, Darion Lindsey and DeSean Warren, as well as Kansas offensive line commit Dylan Admire. But, Olathe East has more talent overall, and should win this game.
Wyandotte (2-4) at Leavenworth (0-6)
While Wyandotte has the better record, Leavenworth has as much talent and has played a much more difficult schedule. It would be great to see the Pioneers snag a victory, given the fact that they haven't had one in over two years. And who knows, if Leavenworth does win they could beat SM North and make the playoffs.
Blue Valley North (2-4) at SM East (5-1)
This matchup is always good when it involves country club sports, but for once it has decent football implications. Blue Valley North has struggled offensively all season but they finally had a good showing last week when they beat Blue Valley Southwest 38-21. SM East has had no offense problems all season, but this is the first game that truly has pressure implications for the team. We'll see how they perform.
Blue Valley Northwest (1-5) at Olathe South (4-2)
Olathe South is the heavy favorite to win its fifth straight game, which is pretty impressive given the fact they began the season 0-2. Blue Valley Northwest has been in a rebuilding mode this season but they always tend to turn it up a notch late in the season. The Falcon's can't get caught sleeping or their winning streak will end.
Photo courtesy the Lawrence Journal World
