Thursday Report

Regional Round Playoff Matchups

All game times 7pm on Friday unless otherwise noted

SM West (7-2) at SM Northwest (5-4)

Where: SM South District Stadium

Last Meeting: SM West defeated SM Northwest 37-13 in week two.

Who to Watch For

SM West

The favored Vikings go as their running game goes. Junior running back and starter Tre Burt injured his ankle in the Vikings' week eight loss against SM East, and did not play last week against BV North. The Vikings other go-to running back is senior Will Livingston, who rushed for 273 yards and one touchdown in Burt's absence Friday. Whether or not Burt is back for Friday's game won't change the fact that SM West has the horses to pound the football, and intends to do so. Defensively the Vikings are led by safety Denzell Simpson (above making tackle), who leads the Sunflower League in tackles with 98.

SM Northwest

SM Northwest has their fair share of playmakers as well. Quarterback Stephen Mangelsdorf has played exceptionally in the later half of the season, and he has a bevy of athletes to distribute the ball to including Kenny Mings, Antoine Smith, and James Gregory. Also, don't forget about defensive end/tight end Drew Goodger, who is easily one of the best pass rushers in the league.

What to Expect

It's hard to imagine SM West winning by 24 points the way they did earlier in the season. SM Northwest has really clicked as a unit and they have a good deal of confidence following their 3-0 run to end the season. This game also involves a rivalry to some degree, and neither team wants a loss to their rival to be last of their high school career. Expect a hard fought battle, and a closer game than what we saw in week two.

Historical Stat

The last time either one of these teams won a playoff game was in 2007, despite a combined three playoff appearances in four chances since then.

SM North (2-7) at Olathe North (8-1)

Where: ODAC

Last Meeting: Olathe North defeated SM North 42-0 on October 2, 2009

Who to Watch For

Olathe North

No doubt about it, Olathe North is loaded across the board. The Eagles superior athleticism is enough to handle most teams, but they are also a fundamentally sound group. Leading the charge are the Eagle's two KU commits, Adonis Saunders and Victor Simmons. The two have combined to rush for 2,327 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. On the defensive side of the ball big hitter Kyle Swartz (right) leads the team with 88 tackles and a sack.

SM North

The Indians' most recognizable name is Kyle Goodburn, who has led the team from his quarterback position to the tune of 690 passing yards and five touchdowns this season. Defensively SM North's most dominant player is cornerback Mason Perez, who quietly leads the Sunflower League in interceptions with six.

What to Expect

Olathe North is a heavy favorite in this game. SM North reaped the benefits of a very easy district to reach the playoffs and the team nearly lost to Leavenworth last week in the qualifying game. For Olathe North, this game is the start of the road to what they hope will be their second straight title, and ninth in school history.

Historical Stat

It was SM North who upset Olathe North, 7-6, on September 4, 2003, effectively ending Olathe North's 38-game winning streak.

Lawrence Free State (5-4) at Olathe East (8-1)

Where: CBAC

Last Meeting: Olathe East deafeated Free State 17-0 in week six

Who to Watch For

Olathe East

The Hawks' most prominent figure is running back Brandon Willingham who has recorded 1,522 all-purpose yards on offense and 19 touchdowns. Olathe East's secret weapon however is running back/linebacker Austin Fulson, a kid who is as underappreciated as any player in the Sunflower League (and I'm guilty of not giving him enough publicity this season). Fulson ranks eighth in the SL in rushing yards at 747, including 12 touchdowns, and he ranks ninth in tackles at 66, including four sacks.

Lawrence Free State

Free State's quarterback position is becoming alot like Olathe North's running back spot--it doesn't matter who lines up at the position, they're going to produce. This year's quarterback Dylan Perry has done just that, and he is a mere 36 passing yards short of breaking the 1,000 yard mark in both passing and rushing this season. Running back Preston Schenck also has big play ability and a knack for scoring touchdowns. On the season Schenck has scored six rushing touchdowns, two touchdowns on interception returns, a touchdown on a fumble return, a touchdown on a kick return, and a touchdown on a punt return.

What to Expect

Well, we thought we'd see fireworks the last time these two teams played, but all we got was a 17-0 defensive slugfest. Both offenses certainly have the potential to explode, but it seems unlikely given the stout body of work Olathe East has produced this season. One thing is for sure--if Perry isn't able to make any big plays Free State is going to have a very difficult time winning this game. The common theme in their losses has been low production out of Perry.

Historical Stat
These teams are 2-2 versus eachother since Jeff Meyers' infamous prediction that Olathe East would beat Free State in the Sectional Round of the 2006 playoffs.

Olathe South (6-3) at SM East (8-1)

Where: SM North District Stadium

Last Meeting: Olathe South defeated SM East 34-30 on October 9, 2009.

Who to Watch For

SM East

The Lancers lost arguably the league's top quarterback when John Schrock went down with a collar bone/shoulder injury in week eight. Fortunately for the Lancers their number two option isn't so bad. Robby Moriarty now has the reigns at the position--he started at quarterback for the Lancers last season and threw for 765 yards. The Lancers have the league's most potent passing attack thanks to their quarterback play and their top receivers, Elliot Faerber, Krey Bradley, and Grant Ellis. Defensively, Josh Mais and Seth Hartman make the majority of the tackles from their linebacker positions.

Olathe South

Olathe South's headline player is senior Nick Sands who is second in the league in rushing with 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Falcons also feature top offensive talent in Kendall Harland and Frankie Suerer. Tanner Ginavan is the headliner on defense, leading the team and ranking second in the league in tackles with 95.

What to Expect

Both teams are going to work to employ their styles on offense. SM East loves passing the ball, and then setting up running back Adam Lowe on on quick hitters when the defense is in pass-defense mode. Olathe South is just the opposite. The Falcons average 286 yards per game on the ground and they have yet to completely master their rushing attack. Which defense will better prepped to stop the other? The answer to that question may define the winner.

Historical Stat

These two teams met in the Regional Round of the 2005 playoffs, with Olathe South overcoming a halftime deficit to win 16-7.

Photos courtesy Facebook, the Kansas City Star